Tighten your belt

Meaning

Reduce spending when money is short.

Usage

Used during economic pressure.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Literal belt tightening when clothes become tighter from weight loss or budget cuts.

Used widely during lean times since the early 20th century.