Tighten your belt
phrase
To spend less money because you don't have much.
After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt and spend less on unnecessary things.
Often appears as...
- have to tighten your belt
- need to tighten your belt
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To prepare for difficult times.
With the recession approaching, everyone needs to tighten their belts.
Often appears as...
- must tighten their belts
- should tighten their belts
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To spend less money because you don't have much.
After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt and spend less on unnecessary things.
Often appears as...
- have to tighten your belt
- need to tighten your belt
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To prepare for difficult times.
With the recession approaching, everyone needs to tighten their belts.
Often appears as...
- must tighten their belts
- should tighten their belts
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase doesn't involve actual belts, but symbolizes reducing expenses.
Now that I'm freelancing, I really have to tighten my belt.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figure of speech, so don't expect it to involve clothing changes.
Time to tighten our belts – no more dining out.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Circumstances
It's usually used when financial situations worsen.
Since the factory closed, the whole town has had to tighten its belt.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase doesn't involve actual belts, but symbolizes reducing expenses.
Now that I'm freelancing, I really have to tighten my belt.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figure of speech, so don't expect it to involve clothing changes.
Time to tighten our belts – no more dining out.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Circumstances
It's usually used when financial situations worsen.
Since the factory closed, the whole town has had to tighten its belt.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase doesn't involve actual belts, but symbolizes reducing expenses.
Now that I'm freelancing, I really have to tighten my belt.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figure of speech, so don't expect it to involve clothing changes.
Time to tighten our belts – no more dining out.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Circumstances
It's usually used when financial situations worsen.
Since the factory closed, the whole town has had to tighten its belt.
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