Strapped for cash
Meaning
To have very little money and be in urgent need of more.
Origin
The imagery behind "strapped for cash" evokes a powerful sense of being tightly bound and restricted, much like a person whose limbs are physically strapped down, preventing any movement. This vivid metaphor gained significant traction in the early 20th century, particularly within American English, to describe an equally constricting financial state. When one is "strapped," they are unable to move freely, to spend, or to access funds, feeling the literal squeeze of an empty wallet or an overdrawn bank account. It paints a picture of financial immobility, where circumstances have tied one down, leaving them with no wiggle room to spare.
Examples
- After losing his job, Mark found himself strapped for cash and struggled to pay the rent.
- We can't afford that expensive vacation this year; we're really strapped for cash after buying the new car.