Shoestring Meaning and Definition
Shoestring
Pronunciation
/ˈʃoʊstriŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thin flexible cord or strap, typically made of leather, used for tying or fastening something, especially a package or a load on a vehicle; a makeshift or improvised way of doing something.
Examples
- The delivery person used a shoestring to tie the package to the bike.
- She found a shoestring solution to the problem by using a piece of twine.
Synonyms
- Strap
- Cord
Antonyms
- Chain
- Rope
Additional Information
Shoestrings are often associated with shoelaces, but the term can also refer to any slender, flexible strip of material used for tying or attaching something. In informal contexts, “to do something on a shoestring” means to manage with very little money or resources. The phrase “shoestring operation” refers to a small or informal business that operates on a limited budget.
The term “shoestring” likely originated from the practice of using a thin strip of leather or string to tie shoelaces. Over time, the term has expanded to encompass a range of contexts beyond footwear.
Etymology
The word “shoestring” is believed to have originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the Old English words “sho” meaning “shoe” and “string” meaning “strip of material”.
Usage Notes
The term “shoestring” is often used in informal contexts, especially in business and entrepreneurial settings. It can be used to describe a project or venture that is designed to operate on a limited budget or resources.
Cultural References
The term “shoestring operation” has been used in various contexts, including films, books, and music. For example, the 1996 film “The Hudsucker Proxy” features a shoestring operation as part of its storyline.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To do something on a shoestring
- Shoestring operation
Related Words or Phrases
- Lace
- Strap
- Cord
Collocations
- Shoestring budget
- Shoestring project
- Shoestring solution
Frequency of Use
The term “shoestring” is relatively commonly used in modern language, particularly in business and entrepreneurial settings.
Common Misspellings
- Shooting
- Shoerstring