skin a flint
The phrase "skin a flint" originates from the 1700s and implies doing something absurd or impossible to save money.
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Definition
C1General
(hyperbolic, figurative)To be extremely frugal or miserly, often to the point of absurdity.
Example
- He's so cheap, he'd skin a flint to save a penny.
C1General
(hyperbolic, figurative)To extract the utmost amount of value or money from someone or something, often ruthlessly.
Example
- The landlord would skin a flint to get every cent of rent.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "skin a flint":