Financial Idioms

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that specifies a noun (e.g. the, a, an)

• The government decided to cut the purse strings on non-essential spending in order to reduce the budget deficit.
• My parents finally decided to cut the purse strings and stop giving me money for unnecessary expenses.
• I think it's time for you to cut the purse strings and start paying for your own bills.
• It's important to cut the purse strings and become financially independent at some point in your life.

verb action word indicating the act of being left holding the bag

• After the company went bankrupt, the shareholders were left holding the bag.
• I can't believe he skipped out on the bill and left us holding the bag!
• She promised to help with the project, but then bailed and left me holding the bag.
• When the project failed, everyone pointed fingers and I was left holding the bag.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adjective a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to indicate the type of reference being made by the noun

• I do not need something like a hole in the head right now.
• I really don't need something like a hole in the head at the moment.
• I don't need that like a hole in the head.
• Getting involved in another argument is something I need like a hole in the head.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this phrase, 'bush' is a noun.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun. In this phrase, 'two' is an adjective.

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. In this phrase, 'in' is a preposition.

article a word that is used to specify or limit a noun. In this phrase, 'a' is an article.

• It is wise to appreciate what you have rather than risking it for something better that may not materialize - a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• Hey, don't be too greedy and go chasing after more when you already have something good - remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• Dude, why risk losing what you already have for something uncertain? It's like they say, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• Sometimes it's better to hold onto what you have rather than taking a risk for something better that may not work out - it's like the saying goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.