What it means
Means getting by on just enough money to cover the basics, with basically no wiggle room. Rent, bills, food, done. Anything extra and the whole budget starts sweating. It’s everyday survival maths, not luxury, not comfort, just keeping your head above water till the next payday.
Usage examples
"Trying to make ends meet this month, then the boiler packed in and the cat needed the vet. Now it’s beans on toast and calling it cost-of-living tapas."
"With rent so high, they are struggling to make ends meet this year."
"She took a second job just to make ends meet."
"We're making ends meet, but only just. One more cheeky bill and it's noodles till Friday."
"After the rent went up, he's been doing weekend shifts just to make ends meet."
Where it comes from
This phrase has been in English for centuries. It originally meant having enough income to make your financial ends meet, in other words getting what comes in to match what has to go out. The image is simple and old-school, like pulling two short sides together and only just managing it.
Other ways to say it
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