Shoestring: meaning, definitions and examples

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shoestring

[ ˈʃuːˌstrɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

budgeting

A shoestring is a very small amount of money that is available to spend.

Synonyms

limited funds, small amount, tight budget

Examples of usage

We had to start our company on a shoestring.
Living on a shoestring budget can be challenging.

^{Context #2}

fashion

A shoestring is a thin string or lace used to fasten shoes.

Synonyms

lace, shoelace, string

Examples of usage

She tied her sneakers with bright red shoestrings.
The boots came with leather shoelaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "shoestring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cordão de sapato

🇮🇳 जूते का फीता

🇩🇪 Schuhband

🇮🇩 tali sepatu

🇺🇦 шнурівка для взуття

🇵🇱 sznurowadło

🇯🇵 靴ひも

🇫🇷 lacet

🇪🇸 cordón de zapato

🇹🇷 ayakkabı bağı

🇰🇷 신발 끈

🇸🇦 رباط الحذاء

🇨🇿 tkanička

🇸🇰 šnúrka do topánok

🇨🇳 鞋带

🇸🇮 vezalka

🇮🇸 skóreim

🇰🇿 аяқ киімнің бауы

🇬🇪 ფეხსაცმლის თასმა

🇦🇿 ayaqqabı bağı

🇲🇽 cordón de zapato

Word origin

The term 'shoestring' originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It was originally used to describe a narrow strip of leather used for fastening shoes. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to a very small amount of money or a tight budget. The expression 'on a shoestring' gained popularity during the Great Depression when people had to make ends meet with limited resources.

See also: overshoe, shoe, shoelace, shoemaker, shoer, shoes.