on a shoestring: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on a shoestring’ mean?
On a shoestring: This idiom means to do something with a very limited amount of money or resources.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom that means someone is very poor and has no money.
The idiom "pennies on the dollar" means to buy or sell something at a significantly discounted price, usually much lower than its actual value.
The idiom "on the fly" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means doing something quickly or spontaneously without preparation or planning. The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but there are several theories about its roots.
The idiom "on the breadline" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
The idiom "on the breadline" is commonly used in English to describe someone who is struggling financially and barely managing to make ends meet. The phrase originated in the early 20th century and has its roots in the economic hardships faced by workers during that time.
The idiom "on a whim" means doing something without any prior planning or thought. It refers to a spontaneous decision or action that is often impulsive and not based on any rational reasoning.
The idiom "on a losing wicket" means being in a situation where success is unlikely or the odds are against you.
"On a losing wicket" is a phrase commonly used in British English that originated from the sport of cricket. This figurative idiom expresses the idea of being in a situation or position where failure or defeat is likely. It has been in use for several decades and is still commonly used in contemporary language.
The idiom "off-the-shelf" refers to something that is readily available and does not require any additional customization or special order.
The idiom "off-the-cuff" means to say or do something spontaneously or without preparation.
The idiom "not worth a whistle" means something is completely worthless or of no value at all.
Idiom: Not worth a whistle
The idiom "not worth a plug nickel" means something has little or no value. The phrase "plug nickel" refers to a coin that is worthless or has no purchasing power.
The Thrifty Path
The idiom "on a shoestring" describes accomplishing something with very little money or resources. It originated in the 19th century and has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of situations where individuals or organizations operate on a tight budget. This can include running a business, organizing an event, or even traveling.
Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is thought to have derived from the practice of repairing or replacing shoelaces when they wear out. In the 19th century, shoelaces were relatively inexpensive to replace, and so the phrase may have been influenced by the idea of making do with limited resources, in this case, inexpensive shoelaces, to continue using shoes.
When used in a business context, being "on a shoestring" often refers to starting a business or running a lean operation with minimal financial investment. It implies resourcefulness, frugality, and creativity in managing and maximizing available resources. This showcases an individual's ability to make the most of limited resources and find innovative solutions.
In personal endeavors, such as planning a trip or organizing an event, being "on a shoestring" signifies the desire to achieve a goal or experience an event while adhering to a tight budget. This involves carefully allocating funds, seeking out affordable alternatives, and making sacrifices to make the limited resources stretch as far as possible.
Being "on a shoestring" captures the essence of making the most out of limited resources and effectively managing scarce means. It emphasizes resourcefulness and ingenuity in achieving goals and overcoming financial constraints. When faced with limitations, individuals and organizations must employ creative strategies and smart decision-making to succeed.
The idiom "on the breadline" is related to "on a shoestring" as it describes a situation where someone is living in poverty or experiencing extreme financial hardship. It represents a lack of financial resources or a struggle to make ends meet. While "on a shoestring" implies using limited resources creatively, "on the breadline" suggests a lack of resources altogether.
Similarly, the idiom "two pennies to rub together" also relates to "on a shoestring". It refers to a person who has very little money and is struggling financially. It conveys the idea of not having even a small amount of money to spare. Both "on the breadline" and "two pennies to rub together" emphasize the financial hardships and limited resources that individuals may face.
The idiom "on a shoestring" has a rich history and has come to represent the ability to accomplish something with limited financial resources. Whether used in business or personal contexts, the phrase signifies resourcefulness, frugality, and creativity in managing scarce means. It serves as a reminder that with determination and clever thinking, one can achieve their goals despite financial constraints.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *on a shoestring* can be used in a sentence:
- I started my business on a shoestring, using only the money I had saved up.
- The theater company produced a fantastic play on a shoestring budget.
- They managed to travel across Europe on a shoestring by staying in cheap hostels and relying on public transportation.
The idiom *on a shoestring* is often used to describe doing something with very limited resources, typically referring to a tight or minimal budget. It can be used in various contexts, such as starting a business, organizing an event, or traveling. The phrase conveys the idea of accomplishing something with limited financial means and emphasizing resourcefulness and frugality.
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