France· medium· informal
avoir des oursins dans la poche
“to have sea urchins in one's pocket”
Meaning
To be stingy
Explanation
This expression describes someone who is reluctant to spend money. The imagery is that someone with sea urchins in their pocket would avoid reaching in to withdraw money due to the prickly spines.
Example
Il n'a jamais payé une tournée de sa vie, il a vraiment des oursins dans la poche!
He's never bought a round of drinks in his life, he's really stingy!
Origin
If you had sea urchins in your pocket, you wouldn't want to reach in for your wallet. The image is pretty self-explanatory. Popular in Marseille and Provence since at least the 17th century.
Where
Provence
Source
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