A person who is stingy or unwilling to spend money; a miser.
Compound of 'hard' and 'fist', suggesting a tightly clenched fist that won't open to give money. This colloquial term developed from the metaphorical association of holding something tightly with refusing to let go of possessions.
This delightful old insult paints a vivid picture—imagining someone with a permanently clenched fist tells you everything you need to know about their attitude toward generosity.
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