Make ends meet In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "make ends meet", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Caroline Tran calendar 2020-08-16 11:08

Meaning of Make ends meet

Synonyms:

earn a living , make a living , acquire a livelihood , pay bills

Make ends meet American spoken language informal verb phrase

To earn and spend just enough money for the things you need

In this pandemic season, I am struggling to make ends meet.

After she lost her job, her family barely managed to make ends meet.

Although I am poor, I still make ends meet.

Other phrases about:

crumb bum

1.Someone viewed with contempt

2. Very bad

to pinch pennies

save as much money as possible

a golden key can open any door
Anything can be accomplished with sufficient money (or the promise of it)
put the bite on (one)

Used to say that someone attempts to get money from you.

Grammar and Usage of Make ends meet

Verb Forms

  • to make ends meet
  • made ends meet
  • making ends meet
  • will make ends meet

The verb "make" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Make ends meet

To have just enough money to be able to buy the things you need 
(Image Source: Language Link)

Most people believe that this idiom is a translation of a French phrase. Originally, this idiom was "Make both ends of the year meet", which meant to spend only as much money as you earned; "both ends" meaning the beginning and end of the year. 

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TODAY
the straw that broke the donkey's back

Used to allude that the last force, problem or burden which is seemingly minor and small causes a person, system or organisation to collapse or fail

Example:

Her husband's violent act last night was the straw that broke the donkey's back and she left him

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