tighten your belt
US /ˈtaɪ.tən jʊər bɛlt/
UK /ˈtaɪ.tən jʊər bɛlt/

1.
den Gürtel enger schnallen, sparen
to spend less money than you did before because you have less money
:
•
Due to the economic downturn, many families have to tighten their belts.
Aufgrund des Wirtschaftsabschwungs müssen viele Familien den Gürtel enger schnallen.
•
If we want to afford that vacation, we'll have to tighten our belts for a few months.
Wenn wir uns diesen Urlaub leisten wollen, müssen wir ein paar Monate den Gürtel enger schnallen.