Hand-to-mouth
The term 'hand-to-mouth' refers to a mode of living in which one barely earns or consumes enough to meet immediate needs, often leaving little to no resources for future expenses or emergencies. It signifies a precarious financial situation where individuals or families live paycheck to paycheck, lacking savings, and struggling to afford basic necessities. This lifestyle can stem from various factors, including low income, job instability, high living costs, or economic hardship.
Hand-to-mouth meaning with examples
- After losing his job, John found himself in a hand-to-mouth existence, struggling to pay rent and buy groceries each month. He often worried about how to make ends meet, living solely on what he could earn from odd jobs.
- The single mother worked two low-paying jobs, maintaining a hand-to-mouth lifestyle while trying to provide for her children. Each paycheck was just enough to cover their basic needs, leaving little room for any unexpected expenses.
- In many developing countries, families commonly live hand-to-mouth, depending on daily wages to feed themselves, often facing starvation if they skip work due to illness or other emergencies.
- During the economic downturn, many citizens switched to a hand-to-mouth way of life, putting off any purchases that weren't essential. They focused solely on daily survival rather than thinking about long-term financial goals.
- Despite her talent and passion for art, Sarah struggled to sell her paintings. She supported herself with a hand-to-mouth approach, creating just enough income to pay her bills while dreaming of greater success.
