stretch money

stretch money

To be exceptionally frugal, thrifty, or parsimonious; to be very careful and prudent when spending money. A possessive pronoun can be used between "stretch" and "money." We had to find creative ways to stretch our money after Janet lost her job. I was underemployed for a number of years after college, so I became very good at stretching money to last as long as possible.
See also: money, stretch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

stretch one's money

 and make one's money stretch
Fig. to economize so that one's money lasts longer. We have to stretch our money in order to be able to buy groceries at the end of the month.
See also: money, stretch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • make (one's) money stretch
  • at one's leisure
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • third person
  • (Is) this taken?
  • buy (yourself) time
  • buy time
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
References in periodicals archive
Eager to stretch money further without repeating the same mistakes, NASA increasingly relies on private partnerships.
The big stuff: Can a tiny startup lead America back to the moon this time to stay?
"It seems like a small amount of money, but for our clients, they know how to stretch money, and it made a big impact," Arnold said.
Rule challenge restores millions in food stamps, mostly to the elderly and disabled
My dad was always a tinkerer in the garage, and we had a large family, had to stretch money. So I'd hang with him in the garage and learned to tinker.
Integrating design with engineering: Mike Gallagher
Then they stretch money further by staying fewer nights or taking cheaper accommodation," says Kevin Darvill, sales and marketing director at Woolacombe Bay Holidays Parks in Devon, where four-night midweek breaks from April 16 and 23 start at pounds 89 for families sharing a two-bedroom caravan holiday home.
Easter offers great UK bargains
But in these grim days of spending cuts, job losses and trying to stretch money out as far as it can reach, why refuse a weekend in a thriving European city when the return fare is just pounds 39?
Racing off to Rotterdam
Our fact sheets for 10 leading cities show you how to stretch money in family-friendly attractions."
Stay in the UK for a last-minute deal