skimp

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

skimp and save

To reduce or limit one's spending in order to save money. I'd love to go out to dinner with you, but I'm really skimping and saving right now. I'm sorry, honey, but your father and I can't afford to buy you a new bike right now—you'll have to work more hours and skimp and save.
See also: and, save, skimp

skimp 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 skimping 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 skimp on a good photographer!
See also: on, skimp
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

skimp on something

to use too little of something; to save something by using less of it than needed for something. Please don't skimp on the gravy. i like my potatoes swimming in it. They skimped on quality a little when they furnished the lobby.
See also: on, skimp
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.

skimp on

v.
To fail to provide for or supply something appropriately; be stingy with something: That pizzeria always skimps on the pepperoni.
See also: on, skimp
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pinch pennies
  • pinch pennies, to
  • scrimp
  • scrimp and save
  • 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
Don't skimp on limits: an Umbrella may be the most important policy you every buy.
Is your umbrella big enough when problems rain?
He has been backed by Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell who said ministers "cannot skimp on protecting our most vulnerable children".
Children at risk - claim
Don't skimp The term doesn't only mean too much exercise, but also doing too much of the same activity over and over again.
How much is too much? Overtraining? Fitness expert April Logan gives you tips on how to combat symptoms
Still, at least the show didn't skimp on the details and research unearthed a nasty deal between Churchill and Stalin which saw many Russians sent home to face certain death.
Foyled by low-budget special effects; ON THE BOX
The bedroom is no place to skimp on luxury yet many people stick to boring bedroom furniture.
get it right for a comfy night
Astral is a great all-rounder moisturiser and its affordable, so you don't have to skimp on coverage.
Retail therapy
Cheeky Chappy Paul Nolan says: "We don't skimp on the costumes, silly songs or any opportunity for an Oscar-winning performance from the audience."
GO! THEATRE: Cheeky Chaps return with a show of surprises
Fi* Don't be tempted to skimp on material - a badly fitting garment will not only crease more in the heat but can also be very distracting.
Summer dressing at the office
When you travel into town along Broad Street today after it has been raining, the contrast between the sodden concrete of the upper facade of the ICC over the lower marble at street level is really sad to see and is a reminder to us all, not to skimp on quality if we are to have a prestige building in our new Central Library in Centenary Square of which we are to be truly proud.
Don't skimp on costs of prestige buildings; AGENDA & LETTERS
"Not one to skimp on style, I have chosen the large Geeling in green to ensure that I am on trend.
me and my hand bag
SPCB member Nora Radcliffe said: "If we skimp on maintenance, we will pay dearly for it in the end.
We need parly cash
That said, Beck is never one to skimp on entertainment, with his very own Bez in the form of a manic but dapper dancer.
Mail Music: BECK
When it comes to the Opera, the government doesn't skimp. No expense is spared on costumes, which are lavish and made in-house, often to designs commissioned from artists and stars of the fashion world.
STRAIGHT FROM THE CITY OF LIGHT
Don't skimp on floral decorations apart from the bouquet as these make your wedding uniquely 'yours'.
Looking blooming marvellous; LAST OF THE SUMMER SHINE
Micron didn't skimp on the components for this machine.
Who needs a desktop PC? Powerful and versatile laptops can replace the average workstation