по одежке протягивай ножки

• ПО ОДЕЖКЕ ПРОТЯГИВАЙ НОЖКИ{{}}

[saying]

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⇒ 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).