on a shoestring
1
with a minimal amount of financial resources
The idiom "on a shoestring" originated in the mid-19th century and is related to the idea of having very limited financial resources. It is used to describe doing something or managing a project with very little money or on a tight budget.
- The startup company was launched on a shoestring budget, with the founders investing their personal savings.
- The theater production was put together on a shoestring, relying on volunteer actors and minimal sets.
- They managed to travel across the country on a shoestring by staying in budget accommodations and using public transportation.