Zoeken
to make (both) ends meet
01
to make enough money to pay for one's basic needs
What is the origin of the idiom "make ends meet" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "make ends meet" is uncertain, but it dates back to at least the 17th century and is thought to have originated from accounting or financial terminology. It is used to describe the act of managing one's finances in a way that allows them to cover all their expenses with their available income, without going into debt or experiencing financial hardship.
Voorbeeld
Despite its dilapidated appearance, the tenement served as a refuge for those struggling to make ends meet, offering a semblance of stability and belonging.
Despite the financial challenges, Emma's penny-pinching mindset helped her make ends meet on a tight budget.
Despite having a full-time job, they were dirt poor, barely making ends meet due to high living costs.
The increased cost of living made it difficult for many families to make ends meet.
The neighborhood was rife with poverty, with many families struggling to make ends meet.