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to live (from) hand to mouth
01
to survive with only the bare minimum resources, often with no savings or financial security
IdiomWhat 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.
Example
During the recession, numerous families found themselves living from hand to mouth, unable to save for the future.
After the factory closed, many workers had to live from hand to mouth, scraping by on odd jobs.
He spent years living from hand to mouth as he tried to establish his small business.
Despite working long hours, the single mother lived hand to mouth, barely making ends meet for her and her children.
After losing his job, he lived hand to mouth, struggling to pay rent and buy enough food to eat.
