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to stretch one's legs according to the coverlet
to stretch one's legs according to the coverlet
01
to avoid spending more money than what one earns
![to [stretch] {one's} legs according to the coverlet definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41932/original/?type=jpeg "to [stretch] {one's} legs according to the coverlet definition and meaning")
Idiom
Old use
What is the origin of the idiom "stretch one's legs according to the coverlet" and when to use it?
The idiom "stretch one's legs according to the blanket" likely originates from a traditional concept of being careful with using one's resources. The phrase alludes to the idea of making sure one's legs (and thus oneself) stay comfortably within the boundaries set by the size of the blanket or coverlet.
Examples
After the pay cut, we had to stretch our legs according to the coverlet.
