scrimp

scrimp and save

To spend as little money as possible; to be especially frugal, especially with the aim of saving up for something bigger. Ever since we had our second child, we've had to scrimp and save to make sure they both get what they want for Christmas.
See also: and, save, scrimp

scrimp on (something)

To choose to consume or spend on something very sparingly or frugally as a way of conserving one's money or resources. I got so used to scrimping on food when I was broke so that I could afford my rent. Now that I have a decent salary, it's hard not to have the same mentality. We cut corners where we had to so that we could afford the wedding we wanted, but we made sure not to scrimp on a good photographer!
See also: on, scrimp
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

scrimp and save

 and pinch and scrape
to be very thrifty; to live on very little money, often in order to save up for something. We had to scrimp and save in order to send the children to college. The Smiths pinched and scraped all year in order to go on a Caribbean cruise.
See also: and, save, scrimp

scrimp on something

to try to economize on the use of something; to fail to use enough of something. Please don't scrimp on the quality of the food. There is enough money. You don't have to scrimp on anything.
See also: on, scrimp
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

scrimp and save

Economize severely, spend as little as possible, as in For years we had to scrimp and save, but now we can enjoy life more. [Mid-1800s]
See also: and, save, scrimp
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

scrimp on

v.
To consume something sparingly in order to conserve it, or be frugal when buying something in order to save money: When my salary was cut, I had to scrimp on food in order to pay my rent.
See also: on, scrimp
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pinch pennies
  • pinch pennies, to
  • scrimp and save
  • skimp
  • skimp and save
  • old enough to be (one's) mother
  • old enough to be mother
  • not (all) that good/bad/well/poor/etc.
  • not all that good, well, etc.
  • one's sunset years
References in periodicals archive
But SCRIMP is just one of the latest technological innovations this manufacturer has used to maintain its industry lead.
High tech on the high seas
We've had a scrimp and save on food and clothing - it has been a struggle for us.
Young couple win pounds 5m jackpot
TPI uses proprietary SCRIMP technology licensed by SCRIMP Systems, L.L.C., Carolina, R.I.
FRP Lightens the Load for New City Bus
"Don't scrimp. A vaccination for Tyra would only have cost about PS60."
MUM'S WARNING TO PET OWNERS AFTER TRAGEDY OF POOCH TYRA; Now puppies under threat too
Here are three options to suit any budget SCRIMP SCRIMP Purity collection three-tier cake stand PS11.99 at Dunelm Mill KEEP things simple with this plain white cake stand, and at this price you'll have plenty of cash left for posh cakes.
SCRIMP; HOMES
SCRIMP Oakleigh three-drawer coffee table PS119.99, from Argos, www.argos.co.uk THIS oak veneer table is all about storage.
Using natural oak furnishings in a modern living room is an easy way to add warmth to gloss furniture and bold fabrics. Some coffee tables offer storage too, so you'll be tidier. What's not to like?
Simon Cowell @SimonCowell Never scrimp or scrape on your shoes or your bed.
tweet week; #trending
Yup, put the fun into funky and bring some humour into your home SCRIMP Retro cushion - Haynes VW Transporter PS13.49 from ThePeasKnees.co.uK THIS iconic pattern features the front cover of a Haynes repair manual.
Add a touch of the [...]
SCRIMP SCRIMP Fine Decor birch tree wallpaper PS15 a roll, www.ilovewallpaper.co.uk THIS softly toned beige and cream paper is dramatic but with a gentle undertone.
With autumn just around the [...]
For ideas of what to put into these glasses, start with Austin's Summer Punch (PS5.99, 70cl, www.Aldi), which costs nearly a third of the price of the market leader but certainly doesn't scrimp on taste.
thirsty work
SCRIMP Cocoon Gardenia cushion, PS18.95 Homestore Plus, www.homestoreplus.co.uk THIS classic floral design is delicately embroidered and trimmed with luxurious braids and tassels.
Enhance your home with some [...]
This self-assembly table is very like the Scrimp option but is still a great buy if the first one is out of stock.
get the look
SCOTS author JK Rowling won't have to scrimp this Christmas.
The Razz: showbuzz
Acrylic chairs are a great modern addition to any minimalist dining space Acrylic chairs are a great modern addition to any minimalist dining space SCRIMP Victoria clear acrylic dining chair PS79.99 from fads.co.uk THIS ghost-style chair is stylish, strong and practical and at this price you will have money left to buy a dining table too.
SCRIMP
SCRIMP SCRIMP David Hunt ANT0329 antler 3-light rustic-coloured pendant PS178.50 from Scotlight Direct, scotlightdirect.co.uk IDEAL for smaller rooms or low ceilings, this three-lamp pendant comes with beige shades.
SCRIMP