Pinch pennies

usgb
verb phrase

To be careful with money and spend very little.

Even though he earned a good salary, he chose to pinch pennies and save as much as he could.
Visual representation of "pinch pennies" - To be careful with money and spend very little

Often appears as...

  • need to pinch pennies
  • start to pinch pennies

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "pinch pennies"
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Informal Use

The phrase 'pinch pennies' is casual and best used in informal settings like conversations among friends.

Illustration for Informal Use
I can't go to the movies tonight, I'm trying to pinch pennies until payday.
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Non-literal Phrase

'Pinch pennies' means to be frugal—it doesn't mean literally pinching coins with your fingers.

Illustration for Non-literal Phrase
She doesn't really pinch every penny, but she's definitely frugal with her budget.
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Money-Saving Context

Use 'pinch pennies' when talking about saving money or cutting down on expenses.

Illustration for Money-Saving Context
Since we're planning a big trip next year, we need to start pinching pennies now.
Visual representation of the word "Pinch pennies"

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