| 释义 |
Definition of purse string in English: purse stringnoun ˈpəː(s) strɪŋ 1A string, or each of a pair of strings, which may be drawn to close the mouth of a purse; a drawstring. In later use chiefly in similative expressions. 2Figurative. Chiefly in plural, especially in various phrases relating to the control of money, as "to hold the purse strings": to control expenditure.
Origin Late Middle English; earliest use found in The Book of Margery Kempe. From purse + string. Definition of purse string in US English: purse stringnounˈpəː(s) strɪŋ 1A string, or each of a pair of strings, which may be drawn to close the mouth of a purse; a drawstring. In later use chiefly in similative expressions. 2Figurative. Chiefly in plural, especially in various phrases relating to the control of money, as "to hold the purse strings": to control expenditure.
Origin Late Middle English; earliest use found in The Book of Margery Kempe. From purse + string. |