О-71

ПО ОДЁЖКЕ ПРОТЯГИВАЙ НОЖКИ (saying) live according to your means, in keeping with your income: - cut your coat according to your cloth cut your coat to fit your cloth put your hand no further than your sleeve will reach.

«Где же я денег возьму? Ты знаешь, я в законный брак вступаю: две семьи содержать не могу, а вы с барином-то по одежке протягивайте ножки» (Гончаров 1). "Where am I to get the money from? You know I am going to be married. I can't provide for two families, and you and your gentleman had better cut your coat according to your cloth" (1a). "Where do you think I can get the money? You know I'm getting married: I can't keep two families, so you and your fine gentleman must cut your coat to fit your cloth" (1b).