Many believe the work should be financed by the 'public purse'. [=should be paid for by the government]
Companies are expected to 'loosen the purse strings' as the economy improves.
School administrators are already 'tightening (the) purse strings'.
(..) running the table on guys like us. - What are you looking for? - My engagement ring. - I took it off to pump my gas and I thought I had it in my purse, but it must've fallen out. And I'm late for my flight.. - Listen, I'll find your ring and I'll FedEx it to you. - I'll give you a reward (..)2009 Zombieland