How do you use "Strapped" in a sentence?

I'm a bit strapped for cash. We're strapped this month. Sorry, I'm strapped—can't help you. Strapped for cash until payday.

Strapped

Q: What does "Strapped" mean?

Short of money, financially tight Having limited money—tight financially. Often used with 'for cash.' Suggests being constrained or restricted by lack of funds.

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Casual

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Meaning: Short of money, financially tight

手头紧、缺钱

Corto de dinero, ajustado financieramente

金欠、金がない

돈이 부족한, 쪼들리는

Having limited money—tight financially. Often used with 'for cash.' Suggests being constrained or restricted by lack of funds.

钱有限——经济紧张。常与'for cash'连用。暗示因缺钱而受限制或约束。

Tener dinero limitado—ajustado financieramente. A menudo usado con 'for cash'. Sugiere estar restringido por falta de fondos.

お金が限られている——経済的にきつい。「for cash」とよく使う。資金不足で制限されていることを示す。

돈이 부족한 상태—경제적으로 빠듯함. 'for cash(현금이)'와 함께 자주 사용. 자금 부족으로 제약을 받는 느낌을 줌.

Examples

I'm a bit strapped for cash.
我有点缺钱。
Estoy un poco corto de efectivo.
ちょっと金欠なんだ。
나 좀 돈이 쪼들려.
We're strapped this month.
这个月我们很紧。
Estamos apretados este mes.
今月厳しい。
이번 달은 빠듯해.
Sorry, I'm strapped—can't help you.
抱歉，我手头紧——帮不了你。
Lo siento, estoy apretado—no puedo ayudarte.
ごめん、金欠で——助けられない。
미안, 나 돈이 없어—도와줄 수가 없어.
Strapped for cash until payday.
发工资前一直缺钱。
Corto de efectivo hasta el día de pago.
給料日まで金欠。
월급날까지 돈이 쪼들려.

Pronunciation

/stræpt/

Usage Guide

Context: financial difficulty, excuses

Tone: apologetic, matter-of-fact

✓ Do Say

Strapped for cash.
手头紧
Corto de efectivo
金欠
돈이 쪼들려.
A bit strapped.
有点缺钱
Un poco apretado
ちょっと厳しい
좀 빠듯해.
Really strapped right now.
现在真的很紧
Muy apretado ahora
今本当に金欠
지금 정말 쪼들려.

✗ Don't Say

Informal but acceptable
非正式但可以接受
Informal pero aceptable
カジュアルだが使える
비격식적이지만 무난한 표현
Common expression
常见表达
Expresión común
よく使う表現
흔히 쓰이는 표현

Common Mistakes

Usually followed by 'for cash'
Different from 'strapped' meaning armed (US)

Origin & History

From being 'strapped in' or constrained—your options are limited when money is tight. American origin, now universal.

Etymology: From being constrained/restricted by lack of money

First recorded: American slang from late 19th century

Cultural Context

Era: Late 19th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Common in American media; Universal money expression

Regional notes: American origin, now universal.

Variations

StrappedStrapped for cashReally strapped