"To make ends meet" | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

Ask the Editor

Question

Answer

To make ends meet means "to pay for the things that you need to live when you have little money."

This is a good example of an idiom that is often used in English but that is not transparent in meaning.

Here are some examples of how this phrase is used:

We had a hard time making ends meet.

I had to work extra hours just to make ends meet.

She can no longer make ends meet. [=she can no longer earn enough money for food, rent, etc.]

Archive

Link to this page:

You can read more articles in the archive.

"To make ends meet" | Britannica Dictionary (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5837

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.