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hold the purse strings

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.

colloquial, idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”
“The power structure⟳ of the family is being shared by wives and husbands, mothers and fathers. Both hold⟳ the purse strings.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

hold the reins hold the ring hold the road hold the stage hold tight hold to

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