pinch and scrape

To spend as little money as possible; to be very frugal or tight, especially with the aim of saving up for something bigger. Ever since we had our second child, we've had to pinch and scrape to make sure they both get what they want for Christmas.

See also: and, pinch, scrape

See also:

pinch pennies
pinch pennies, to
scrimp
scrimp and save
skimp
skimp and save
tight as the bark on a tree
penny wise and pound foolish
penny wise pound foolish
penny-wise and pound-foolish

References in classic literature

"Don't you remember how we had to pinch and scrape to pay the butcher's bill in Puddleby?

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