On a shoestring

usgb
adjective

To do something with a very little amount of money.

She managed to travel around the world on a shoestring.
Visual representation of "on a shoestring" - To do something with a very little amount of money.

Often appears as...

  • live on a shoestring
  • budget is on a shoestring

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on a shoestring"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Budget Metaphor

Imagine a thin shoelace to represent a small budget, highlighting minimal resources for achieving something.

Illustration for Budget Metaphor
Their startup was launched on a shoestring, but they succeeded.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Poverty

Doesn't mean extreme poverty, but indicates making do with limited financial resources.

Illustration for Not Poverty
He's not poor, but lives on a shoestring to save money.
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Resourcefulness

Often implies ingenuity or creativity in managing to do something with very little money.

Illustration for Resourcefulness
They decorated their home on a shoestring, using handmade items.
Visual representation of the word "On a shoestring"

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