On a shoestring budget
Meaning
Operating with a very small and extremely limited amount of money.
Origin
Imagine the early 20th century, when a shoelace was one of the cheapest, most insignificant items one could buy—a trivial, almost negligible expense. When someone spoke of operating 'on a shoestring budget,' they weren't just being frugal; they were declaring that their entire enterprise, project, or life was being run with resources so scarce they were comparable to the cost of a mere shoelace. This vivid metaphor quickly captured the essence of extreme financial constraint, emphasizing resourcefulness born out of necessity rather than mere thrift.
Examples
- The startup managed to launch its product on a shoestring budget, relying heavily on volunteer help and free software.
- We decorated the entire apartment on a shoestring budget by finding great deals at thrift stores and DIY-ing most of the furniture.