English Experts

[Dayse Hawkins]

Dayse H.

Olá.

Ouvi essa frase no filme Tammy and the bachelor:
We were penniless, but we made
out by nipping and tucking
and selling fresh eggs.

Não entendi a parte (but we made
out by nipping and tucking). Pesquisei
e não achei nada. Sei apenas que é
regionalismo do sul (Mississipi).

Poderiam decifrá-la para mim?
Obrigada.

[donay mendonça]

Dayse,

A expressão 'nip and tuck' me parece ter a ver com 'gastar pouco', 'viver somente com o que se tem'.

Minha sugestão:

We made out by niping and tucking
Sobrevivemos com o que a gente tinha de dinheiro


Boa sorte!

[Thomas]

I have heard "nip and tuck" (see below), but not "nipping and tucking" in the context of the song. Perhaps it is a regionalism, and perhaps it is something invented by the composer. Today "nipping and tucking" is often used in reference to plastic surgery. It can also mean "to get rid of anything that exists in excess". The composer seems to be saying what Donay has understood: living frugally, eliminating unnecessary expenses.

Merriam-Webster
Main Entry: nip and tuck Pronunciation Guide
Pronunciation: |nipschwan.|tschwak
Function: adjective (or adverb)
: so close that the lead or advantage shifts rapidly from one contestant to another : neck and neck <the race was nip and tuck for a time -- Our Dumb Animals> <until about the 25th lap, it was a nip and tuck go -- Illustrated Speedway News>

[Dayse Hawkins]

Dayse H.

donay, Thomas,
Muito obrigada pela ajuda.