PhrasesHub

Bean counter

    Definitions

      • criticize someone for being overly concerned with financial details or small, insignificant matters
        To describe someone who is focused on counting and managing expenses or resources, often at the expense of the bigger picture or more important issues.

      • describe a person who is strictly adhering to rules and regulations, often at the expense of creativity or flexibility
        To refer to someone who is more concerned with following strict guidelines and procedures rather than thinking outside the box or taking risks.

      • describe a person who is overly cautious or stingy with money
        To characterize someone as being overly frugal or cheap, often to the point of being unreasonable or miserly.

    Examples of Bean counter

    • She's a bean counter through and through. She's always looking for ways to cut costs and minimize expenses.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is solely focused on managing finances and maintaining a tight budget. Bean counters are known for being extremely frugal and cautious with money, often at the expense of other aspects of the organization or project they are involved in. In this example, the person being described is particularly zealous in her financial management, putting a strong emphasis on cost reduction and economization.

    • His job as a bean counter may be dull, but it pays the bills.

      This idiom is used to describe a job that is tedious or uninspiring, but is necessary for practical reasons. The term "bean counter" is often associated with accountants and financial analysts, who spend a lot of time processing numbers and keeping track of expenses. In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that the person being described has a job that may not be exciting, but it provides a reliable income.

    • Her botox-filled face and designer clothing mask her true identity as a bean counter.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who appears luxurious or extravagant on the surface, but in reality, is quite penny-pinching or thrifty below the surface. The term "bean counter" is being used here to suggest that the person being described seems high-class and glamorous, but actually has a strong focus on managing finances and cutting costs.

    • As a bean counter, he's always coming up with new ways to squeeze out every last penny.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is excessively tight-fisted or stingy, especially when dealing with finances. The term "bean counter" signifies someone who is so focused on managing finances that they become overly frugal, looking for every possible way to save a little bit of money. In this example, the person being described is particularly known for coming up with creative and sometimes unconventional ways to minimize expenses.

    • His obsession with being a bean counter is starting to take a toll on the team's morale.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation in which someone's excessive focus on managing finances is negatively affecting other aspects of the organization or project. In this example, the speaker is suggesting that the person being described is so focused on managing finances that it is beginning to have negative consequences for the team's overall morale.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bean counter" is a derogatory term used to criticize someone for being overly concerned with financial details and small, insignificant matters. It can also refer to someone who strictly adheres to rules and regulations, and is overly cautious or stingy with money. Overall, the idiom is used to describe someone who is overly focused on counting and managing expenses, often at the expense of more important aspects of a situation or task.

    Origin of "Bean counter"

    There are a few possible origins for the idiom "bean counter." One theory suggests that it originated from the days when beans were a common form of currency, and those who were responsible for counting and managing the beans were seen as overly concerned with finances. Another theory suggests that it comes from the fact that beans are small and easy to count, and therefore someone who is solely focused on counting beans is missing the bigger picture.

    The term "bean counter" first appeared in print in the 19th century, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that it gained popularity as a derogatory term for accountants or financial professionals. It has since evolved to encompass a wider meaning, referring to anyone who is overly concerned with financial matters or strict adherence to rules and regulations.

    Overall, the idiom "bean counter" is a figurative expression that uses the literal counting of beans as a metaphor for someone who is overly focused on small and insignificant details. It is a negative term that is often used to criticize someone's behavior or attitude towards money and rules.