What does the phrase tax your reserves mean?

"Tax your reserves" is a phrase that is used to describe a situation in which an individual or organization is required to use their savings or other financial resources in order to meet a financial obligation. It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense.

Literal meaning: In a literal sense, taxing your reserves means that you are withdrawing money from your savings account, or using up other financial resources, in order to pay for something that you cannot afford to pay for with your regular income. For example, if you lose your job and need to use your savings to pay for your living expenses, you would be taxing your reserves.

Figurative meaning: In a figurative sense, taxing your reserves can also mean that you are using up your physical or emotional resources in order to cope with a difficult situation. For example, if you are working long hours and feeling stressed, you may be taxing your reserves.

Either way, taxing your reserves can be a challenging and stressful experience, but it is sometimes necessary in order to make ends meet or to cope with a difficult situation.