purse strings

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In its most recent earnings report, Brown-Forman said sales in markets like the U.S. and Europe are hurting as affordability issues have plagued consumers, who are tightening their purse strings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

That’s a precarious model if middle-class Americans have to tighten their purse strings.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Ironically, the rise of online book-buying—requiring internet access and a credit card—has helped keep purse strings in the hands of mom and dad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

But factors such as the flagging property market, deflation and youth unemployment have left consumers tightening their purse strings.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

He paid because he had inherited from his mother a certain tightness through the purse strings.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson