Search
Select the dictionary language
to live (from) hand to mouth
01
to survive with only the bare minimum resources, often with no savings or financial security
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "live hand to mouth" and when to use it?
The idiom "live hand to mouth" has its origins in the mid-16th century. The phrase describes a way of living in which a person's income is barely enough to cover their basic needs for food and shelter, leaving no surplus for savings or other expenses. It is used to describe a lifestyle or financial situation where someone's income is just enough to meet immediate needs, leaving no room for savings or investment.
Examples
After losing his job, he had to live hand to mouth for months.
