long purse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, figurative
Quick answer
What does “long purse” mean?
A person or institution with substantial financial resources.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or institution with substantial financial resources; wealth.
The state of having ample money or the financial capacity to fund significant expenditures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more common in British English, particularly in historical or literary contexts. American English more frequently uses 'deep pockets'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes substantial, often established or inherited, wealth rather than temporary affluence. It can imply the power that accompanies such wealth.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary spoken language; primarily found in writing, journalism, and formal discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “long purse” in a Sentence
[Institution/Person] + has/possesses + a long purseThe project + requires + a long purseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long purse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The venture was long-pursed by a silent partner.
- They needed someone to long-purse the expedition.
American English
- The campaign was long-pursed by a super PAC.
- He long-pursed the entire startup phase.
adjective
British English
- He was the long-purse benefactor behind the gallery.
- They sought a long-purse investor.
American English
- The long-purse donor remained anonymous.
- It's a long-purse foundation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe investors or companies with significant capital for acquisitions or R&D.
Academic
Appears in economic history or literary studies discussing patronage.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used humorously or figuratively.
Technical
Not a technical financial term; used descriptively in journalism or commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long purse”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long purse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long purse”
- Using it to refer to a literal, elongated purse. Using it as a countable noun in plural form ('long purses') is very rare and awkward.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively rare and considered formal or literary. 'Deep pockets' is more common in modern English, especially in American usage.
Almost never in modern usage. It is a fixed idiom meaning 'substantial wealth'. A literal long purse would be described as a 'long wallet' or 'clutch purse'.
It is typically used in the singular, preceded by the indefinite article 'a' (e.g., 'have a long purse').
Not in standard dictionaries. Forms like 'to long-purse' (to fund generously) are very rare, non-standard, and would be considered creative or jargonistic.
A person or institution with substantial financial resources.
Long purse is usually formal, literary, figurative in register.
Long purse: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈpɜːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈpɝːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have deep pockets”
- “line one's pockets”
- “hold the purse strings”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PURSE that is so LONG you can never reach the bottom of it—it just keeps having more money inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS A CONTAINER (with great depth/length).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long purse' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?