belt-tightening

Definitions

A reduction in expenditure, often as a result of financial restrictions.

informal

Examples

“By Mr. de Blasio’s third year in office, the city was employing 287,002 full-time workers, more than at any other point⟳ in its modern history, and the number⟳ continued to rise⟳ until the pandemic. The head count⟳ fell to about 313,000 as of September because of belt tightening but is expected to grow⟳ in the coming year.”

“"We need⟳ to avoid⟳ going cap in hand to government all the time to get⟳ the capital projects and rail improvements that we all want⟳." That's the message from SLC Rail Strategy Director Ian Baxter, who has instead called on industry stakeholders, local authorities, and other scheme sponsors to be more "financially innovative" in response to economic belt-tightening in Whitehall departments.”

CEFR level