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make ends meet
/meɪk ɛndz miːt/◆idiom
manage financially
After losing his job, he struggled to make ends meet.
He found it difficult to cover his basic expenses without a steady income.
informal
To have just enough money to pay for one's basic needs.
Many families are barely making ends meet these days.
Many families are surviving on very little money.
She works two jobs to make ends meet.
She works multiple jobs to cover her essential expenses.
Commonly used in contexts of financial struggle or tight budgets.
Collocations
barely make ends meetstruggle to cover basic expensesfind it hard to make ends meetexperience difficulty managing finances
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contextual Clues
This idiom is almost always used in negative or challenging financial contexts. If someone says they're 'making ends meet,' it usually implies they're doing so with difficulty.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Interpretation
Never interpret this phrase as physically connecting ends of objects. It exclusively refers to financial management.
Word Origin
First recorded in the early 18th century, this idiom likely originates from the literal image of connecting or closing the ends of a rope or string to prevent fraying. Over time, it evolved to symbolize managing limited resources to avoid financial shortfall.
Usage Notes
Used to describe financial situations where income is barely sufficient for necessities. Often implies a struggle or tight budget.
Word Breakdown
make
to cause or bring about
verbends
the final parts or extremities
nounmeet
to come into contact or agreement with
verbEnglish Dictionary