节衣缩食 jiéyī-suōshí to save on food and clothing (idiom)
to save on food and clothing (idiom); to live frugally
How to remember 节衣缩食: 节 section + 衣 clothes + 缩 to withdraw + 食 food = to save on food and clothing (idiom).
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How it is used
- Idiom: to scrimp on clothes and food - live frugally to save - 父母节衣缩食供他上学 (fùmǔ jiéyī suōshí gōng tā shàngxué) his parents pinched every penny to put him through school.
- Vivid picture of self-denial to save money, usually for a greater goal or out of hardship.
- Written register; emotionally implies sacrifice, often admirable.