Cut the purse strings

Posted by Lewis on July 16, 2004

In Reply to: Cut the purse strings posted by Bruce Kahl on July 16, 2004

: : I used this phrase the other day (in reference to my husband taking my money away) and I wondered if it was in reference to oldtime pickpockets who used to physically cut a person's purse strings - thereby taking their money?

: : Whaddayathink?

: Cutting the purse strings means to stop giving financial support to someone or thing.

: Another similar expression is "cutting the apron strings" which means, similarly, to end some type of support, either emotional or financial.

: If you look at the "strings" concept as a sort of lifeline then the meaning may be clearer.
: Maybe someone else can provide more detail.

Before modern times, when clothing did not have pockets as part of the design, a pocket was usually a cloth bag or leather pouch - often tied to the belt at the waist. if it contained money then it was known as a purse. one form of highway robbery was to be a 'cut-purse' and carry a sharp short-bladed knife (like a pruning hook) which could be used to cut purse strings and a skilled person could do this without alerting the victim - usually by distraction - either themselves or by an accomplice. the purse strings were simply the cords with which a purse was tied to the belt. it became an obvious metaphor 'to cut the purse strings' meaning to deprive of finance.

apron strings - I think it was a custom to use the strings of an apron as 'reins' for small children. so to cut them was a sign of going from a dependent to more independent child.

  • Strings attached? Henry 16/July/04
    • Strings attached? Bruce Kahl 16/July/04
      • Strings attached? Henry 17/July/04
        • Strings attached? Bruce Kahl 17/July/04
          • Strings attached? Amax 17/July/04