Looking up...
on a shoestring budget
/ɑn ə ˈʃuˌstrɪŋ ˈbʌdʒɪt/◆idiom
with very little money
They started their business on a shoestring budget, using only $500 to get it off the ground.
They began their business with extremely limited funds, relying on just $500 to launch it.
informal
with very little money; operating with minimal financial resources
The film was made on a shoestring budget, yet it won several awards.
The film was produced with very little money, yet it received multiple awards.
She traveled around Europe on a shoestring budget, staying in hostels and eating street food.
She explored Europe with minimal funds, choosing budget accommodations and inexpensive meals.
Commonly used to describe projects, trips, or ventures that require careful financial planning due to limited resources.
Collocations
operate on a shoestring budgetfunction with very little moneyrun on a shoestring budgetmanage with minimal funds
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal confusion
The phrase does not refer to actual shoestrings or budgets. Focus on the figurative meaning of having very little money to work with.
Gold Rule
Use in context
This idiom works best when describing a situation where financial constraints are a key challenge but not necessarily a failure. Pair it with examples of resourcefulness or creativity.
Word Origin
The phrase dates back to the early 20th century, when 'shoestring' referred to a thin strip of leather used to tie shoes. By the 1940s, it evolved into a metaphor for meager financial resources, as a shoestring was seen as flimsy and easily broken.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used in informal contexts to emphasize resourcefulness and frugality. It implies that despite financial constraints, the subject is still able to achieve their goals.
Word Breakdown
on
using; with the use of
prepositiona shoestring
a very small amount of money
noun phrasebudget
the amount of money allocated for a specific purpose
nounEnglish Dictionary