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scrimp and save

[skrimp ənd seɪv]
verb phrase
economizar ao máximo; viver de forma muito frugal
1. To spend very little money and save as much as possible; to live frugally by cutting back on expenses
They had to scrimp and save for years to afford a down payment on their house.
Eles tiveram que economizar ao máximo por anos para conseguir dar uma entrada na casa.
2. To be extremely careful with money and avoid unnecessary spending
She scrimp and saved every penny to send her children to college.
Ela economizou cada centavo para poder mandar seus filhos para a faculdade.
NYC Slang
tighten your belt; nickel and dime yourself
Synonyms
economizebe frugalpinch penniestighten one's beltcut cornerslive within one's means
Antonyms
spend freelysplurgewaste moneybe extravagantlive beyond one's means

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
economizar ao máximo; apertar o cinto
Most common usage in contemporary Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
juntar dinheiro; poupar
Slightly more modern phrasing
Portugal
poupar ao máximo; viver apertado
European Portuguese preference for 'poupar' over 'economizar'

Related Idioms & Phrases

pinch pennies
tighten one's belt
live on a shoestring
make ends meet
cut corners
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