Phrase guide

power of the purse

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The control of finances by one group used as a check on the power of another group.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, uncountable

Topics: government

Examples

  • Congress has the power of the purse and can choose not to pay for a Presidential policy with which they disagree.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.