earn a living

/ɜːn ə ˈlɪvɪŋ/

make money to support oneself

She earns a living as a freelance writer.

She makes money by writing articles for different clients.

informal

to make enough money to support oneself through work

He earns a living by fixing cars in his garage.

He makes money by repairing vehicles in his workshop.

Many people struggle to earn a living in this economy.

Many people find it difficult to make enough money to survive in the current economic situation.

This phrase is commonly used to describe how someone supports themselves financially.

Collocations

earn a decent livingmake enough money to live comfortablyearn a modest livingmake just enough money to survive

to have enough money to cover basic expenses

to manage to survive financially

While 'earn a living' is generally informal, it can be used in formal contexts when discussing employment or economic conditions.

Do not use this phrase to describe hobbies or activities that do not provide income.

The phrase combines 'earn' (to gain money through work) and 'a living' (the means to survive). It has been in use since the early 19th century.

This phrase is often used to discuss employment, income, and financial independence. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

earn

to gain money through work

root

a living

the means to survive

phrase

English Dictionary