pinch pennies
Meaning
To be very frugal; to spend as little money as possible and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Origin
From the idea of handling even the smallest coins (pennies) very carefully—"pinching" them as if reluctant to let them go—so it came to mean being extremely stingy or frugal.
Notes
Common and informal. Can be neutral (careful budgeting) or slightly negative (stingy). Context makes the tone clear.
Examples
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After moving to the city, I had to pinch pennies until I found a better-paying job.
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They've been pinching pennies all year so they can afford a family vacation.
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If you want to pay off your debt faster, you may need to pinch pennies for a while.
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He pinches pennies by cooking at home instead of eating out.
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We’re pinching pennies right now, so let’s skip the expensive plans this weekend.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: "pinch pennies" / "pinching pennies" / "pinched pennies." Often followed by a purpose or time phrase (e.g., "to save for..."). Sometimes appears as "penny-pinching" (adj./noun).
Synonyms
- be frugal
- scrimp
- tighten one’s belt
- watch every penny
- penny-pinching
Antonyms
- spend freely
- splash out
- live it up