be parsimonious

[bi pɑrˈsɪmoʊniəs]

verb phrase

ser parcimonioso; ser mesquinho; ser avarento

1. to be unwilling to spend money or resources; to be stingy or miserly

He was parsimonious with his charitable donations.

Ele era parcimonioso com suas doações para caridade.

2. to be frugal or sparing in the use of something

The company was parsimonious in its use of resources during the recession.

A empresa foi parcimoniosa no uso de recursos durante a recessão.

NYC Slang

be cheap; be a cheapskate

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ser parcimonioso; ser avarento

Common usage in both formal and informal contexts

São Paulo

ser mesquinho; ser apertado

More colloquial alternative expressions

Portugal

ser parcimonioso; ser poupado

Portuguese preference for 'poupado' in everyday speech

pinch pennies

count every penny

hold the purse strings tight

ser agarrado ao dinheiro

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