They may use the power of the purse to squeeze spending at the margins; but cutting off the money completely would create a huge popular backlash.

他们可以用掌握国库的权力压缩边缘花销；但是，将拨款完全删除会制造大众的巨大震荡。

youdao

Whether they are cutting their purse-strings due to the global downturn, or believe there is little future in throwing money at cricket in the Caribbean, the lack of interest from sponsors is a massive issue.

BBC: Windies cricket falls on hard times