Keep the wolf from the door In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "keep the wolf from the door", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Luna Linh calendar 2021-03-29 09:03

Meaning of Keep the wolf from the door

Synonyms:

keep your head above water , exist/live from hand to mouth

Keep the wolf from the door spoken language Verb + object/complement informal

Manage to earn enough money to buy food and other essential things

During the pandemic, many people were unemployed and unable to keep the wolf from the door.

She works two jobs at the same time in order to keep the wolf from the door.

Other phrases about:

these things are sent to try us

This idiom is often used to express that you should accept an unpleasant situation or event because you cannot change it.

soften/cushion the blow
To make a difficult experience less serious; to make the situation better
The author of your own misfortune
to be blamed because of one's own problem
drastic times call for drastic measures

When you experience extreme and undesirable situations, it is probably essential to take extreme actions

you can't unring a bell

Once something has been done, you can do nothing but face the consequences.

Origin of Keep the wolf from the door

(Image source: lookandlearn.com)

Despite the unknown source of this idiom, many has suggested it was used since the 1500s. It can be depicted from the fact that the wolf, whose nature is hungry and ravenous, often sniffs around human door for food and crumbs. If you can provide for the family with enough food, there'll be crumbs for the wolf to eat but if not, they'll come at your door to look for it. The phrase was originally “keep the wolf from the gate” but has evolved into the phrase that we use today.

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a hedge between keeps friendship green

Friendships will develop well and be successful when the friends respect each other's privacy.

Example:

You should respect your friend's privacy. A hedge between keeps friendship green. 

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