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hold the purse strings. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
hold the purse strings, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
hold the purse strings in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
Verb
hold the purse strings (third-person singular simple present holds the purse strings, present participle holding the purse strings, simple past and past participle held the purse strings)
- (idiomatic, colloquial) To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
1787, James Madison, The writings of James Madison: comprising his public papers and his private correspondence..., page 158:The other branch was more immediately the representatives of the people, and it was a maxim that the people ought to hold the Purse-strings.
1985, Jerome Hellmuth, Coping with parents, page 62:The power structure of the family is being shared by wives and husbands, mothers and fathers. Both hold the purse strings.
Related terms
Translations
to be in control of expenditure
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Further reading