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The breadline
01
the income level below which a person is considered to be living in poverty or experiencing financial hardship
What is the origin of the idiom "the breadline" and when to use it?
The idiom "the breadline" originated in the early 20th century during the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and lasted for several years. This phrase is used to describe the income level or economic threshold below which a person or family is considered to be living in poverty and experiencing financial hardship.
02
a queue of people waiting for free food
Example
The government aims to implement policies that lift families out of the breadline and provide them with better economic opportunities.
The minimum wage in the country is below the breadline, making it difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.
Despite having a job, she still falls below the breadline and struggles to make ends meet.