How to Pronounce "control the purse strings"
expression
kənˈtɹoʊɫ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpɝs/ /ˈstɹɪŋz
kun-TROHL thuh PERSS stringz
kəntɹˈəʊl/ /ðə, ði/ /pˈɜːs/ /stɹˈɪŋz
kun-TROHL thuh PURSS stringz
Definition
To have the power to decide how money is spent, usually in a family, group, or organization.
IPA Transcription
American English
kənˈtɹoʊɫ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpɝs/ /ˈstɹɪŋz
British English
kəntɹˈəʊl/ /ðə, ði/ /pˈɜːs/ /stɹˈɪŋz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
kun-TROHL thuh PERSS stringz
UK
kun-TROHL thuh PURSS stringz
Listen in Context
In our house, my mother controls the purse strings.
Only the manager controls the purse strings at work.
My father used to control the purse strings, but now my sister does.
If you want to buy new equipment, talk to Sam—he controls the purse strings here.