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'.
(..) The murderer does not have the diamond? - No. - Well, then, where is it... ...Inspector Clouseau? It is there! In her purse. Let me see. Sorry, Clouseau, no diamond. The purse, please. Could you hold that, please? After Gluant came to me, he said (..)2006 The Pink Panther
(..) Pink diamond. Clear. - Clear? - It's not the Pink Panther. And what are you doing here sneaking around? This purse once belonged to Josephine Baker. It was falling apart, so I had it studded with diamonds... ...to wear on-stage at the Presidential Ball. (..)2006 The Pink Panther