节衣缩食 [- yī suō shí]scant oneself in food and clothes; be more economical; economize food and clothing; economize [scrimp] on food and clothing; live frugally; practise austerity; practise strict economy; save on food and clothing; skimp on one's own food and clothing:
•¶ 我们节衣缩食， 积蓄了够买一台彩电的钱。 By using economy in buying food and clothes, we were able to save enough money for a new colour TV set.