on a shoestring

meaning: on a limited budget

examples: By shopping wisely, the family lived on a shoestring. ("...кое-как перебивалась")

Mary planned the party on a shoestring, and it was fabulous.

We lived on a shoestring for years before I got a good-paying job.

It's going to be a challenge doing such a big project on a shoestring but we'll try our best.