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make (both) ends meet
/mˌeɪk bˈəʊθ ˈɛndz mˈiːt/
/mˌeɪk bˈoʊθ ˈɛndz mˈiːt/
to make (both) ends meet
[PHRASE]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.
Examples
1. After losing his job, he began to feel the pinch, struggling to pay bills and make ends meet.
2. After losing his job and struggling to make ends meet, John realized that a moneyless man goes fast through the market, and he began to live a simpler, more focused life, prioritizing his needs and goals above the desire for material wealth.
3. Despite having a job, she still falls below the breadline and struggles to make ends meet.
4. The recent changes in tax laws have left the poor struggling to make ends meet, while the rich continue to find ways to avoid paying their fair share.
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