common purse: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘common purse’ mean?
The idiom "common purse" refers to a situation where a group of people pool their resources or funds together for a common purpose or goal.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "power of the purse" refers to the ability to control or influence decisions by controlling the money or financial resources. It implies that those who control the finances hold significant power and can shape outcomes.
The idiom "hold the purse strings" means having control or authority over financial matters or spending decisions.
The idiom "cross-purpose" refers to when two or more people have different goals or intentions, which results in conflict or confusion.
The idiom "common touch" refers to the ability of a person, typically a public figure, to connect with and understand regular people. It implies that the individual possesses relatability and empathy toward the general population.
The idiom *common run* refers to the average or typical group of people or things. It represents the majority or the most ordinary.
The idiom "common run" is often used in the English language to describe the average or ordinary group of people within a larger population. It is a phrase that conveys a sense of the majority or the usual state of affairs. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century when it first appeared in written records.
The idiom "common ground" refers to a shared belief or interest that allows people to find agreement or understanding despite their differences.
The idiom "common ground" refers to a shared understanding, agreement, or interest between two or more people or parties. It signifies a point of similarity or mutual understanding that serves as a basis for communication, negotiation, or cooperation.
The idiom "common-and-garden" means something ordinary, average, or unremarkable. It is typically used to describe things that are plain, basic, and lacking in special features or qualities.
The idiom "circle the wagons" means to gather together and unite in defense against a common threat or danger.
The idiom "chump-change" refers to a small or insignificant amount of money or anything of little value. It implies that the amount mentioned is not worth much and is easily dismissed or disregarded.
Shared Finances
The idiom "common purse" has its roots in Old English and refers to a situation where a group of people pool their financial resources together for a common purpose. This can be seen in the practice of using a communal purse in medieval villages, where individuals would contribute a portion of their earnings to a shared fund. The concept of a common purse symbolizes the idea of shared resources and financial obligations among a group.
In modern usage, the idiom "common purse" is often used to describe financial arrangements within families, households, or organizations. It signifies a pooling of resources to achieve a common goal or support the collective well-being of the group. This can include situations where individuals contribute to a shared fund for household expenses or a group of friends chip in for a specific purpose, such as a vacation or a charitable cause.
Furthermore, the idiom "common purse" can be metaphorically used to describe situations where a group of people collectively bear the financial burden of a certain endeavor. For example, in a business partnership, the partners may pool their resources to cover the costs of running the business and share in the profits. Similarly, in terms of government finances, the power of the purse can represent the shared responsibility for funding public projects or programs.
The power of the purse extends beyond financial matters and can also be related to other idioms. One such idiom is "power of the purse", which refers to the authority or control over financial resources. In this context, the person or entity that holds the purse strings has the power to decide how the funds are allocated or spent. This idiom emphasizes the influence that comes with controlling the financial resources of a group or organization.
Another related idiom is "hold the purse strings", which means to have control over the finances or to be the one who makes the financial decisions. When someone holds the purse strings, they have the power to determine how money is spent and allocate funds accordingly. This idiom underscores the control that one person or group can have over the financial resources of others.
Lastly, the idiom "chip in" is also connected to the concept of a common purse. To chip in means to contribute or donate money or resources towards a specific cause or goal. This term is often used when a group of people collectively contribute to a fund or project. When individuals chip in, they are pooling their resources to achieve a common objective, similar to the idea of a common purse.
The idiom "common purse" represents the pooling of financial resources for a shared purpose. It highlights the importance of collective action, cooperation, and shared financial responsibility. The idiom is closely related to other idioms such as "power of the purse", "hold the purse strings", and "chip in", which all emphasize control over financial resources and the act of contributing towards a common goal. These idioms serve as reminders of the power and benefits of working together and leveraging shared financial resources to achieve success.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom common purse can be used in a sentence:
- They decided to contribute money into a common purse for their group project.
- After they got married, they opened a joint bank account as their common purse.
- The roommates agreed to share expenses and created a common purse for household bills.
More "Finance" idioms
