scrimp together
C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To save enough money by spending as little as possible, even when it's really hard
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To save a sum of money by being very careful and spending as little as possible, often over a long period
"They scrimped together every penny they had to pay for their daughter's wedding."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To gather limited resources with great effort and self-sacrifice in order to achieve something
"The family scrimped together enough to buy a second-hand car after months of going without luxuries."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Carries a strong connotation of hardship and self-denial. More emotionally charged than 'save up'. More common in British English. Often followed by 'enough' or a specific sum.
Commonly used with
money funds enough savings pennies cash
Forms
Base
scrimp together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrimps together
he/she/it
Past simple
scrimped together
yesterday
Past participle
scrimped together
have + pp
-ing form
scrimping together
continuous
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Synonyms
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