tighten your belt

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To spend less money because you have less than before.

Why this phrase?

A thinner waist from eating less means a tighter belt.

Example

“After the pay cut, the family had to tighten their belts.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

tighten the purse strings Neutral · CEFR C1

To become more careful and strict about spending money.

a rip-off Informal · CEFR B1

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

cost an arm and a leg Informal · CEFR B1

To be extremely expensive.

money doesn't grow on trees Informal · CEFR B1

Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.

break the bank Informal · CEFR B2

To cost so much that it uses up all your money.

cost the earth Informal · CEFR B2

to be extraordinarily expensive

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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