我们来看个例子来领会pinch pennies这个习惯用语的确切意思吧。这段话说的是邻居Joe的事儿，Joe收入丰厚，但是却一钱如命，我们听听是怎么回事儿，特别注意这段话里的习惯用语pinch pennies：

　　例句：Joe and his wife certainly like to pinch pennies. They both have good jobs but they drive an old car, buy the cheapest clothes they can find, never go out to eat or see a movie. But one thing is sure - they'll have plenty of money when they retire.

　　他说：Joe夫妇俩都有很好的工作，但是他们开的是旧车，买衣服也尽量找最便宜的，还从来都舍不得出去吃顿饭或者看场电影。只是有件事可以确定无疑：他们在退休以后，钱会绰绰有余的。

　　看来他俩确实在节衣缩食地过日子，而且在收入不错的情况下还是喜欢这样做，所以说他们pinch pennies意思就是非常精打细算，甚至到了吝啬和一钱如命的地步。