hand to mouth
The phrase "hand to mouth" describes a precarious way of living with just enough resources to meet immediate needs, without any savings or financial security.
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Definition
B2Economics
(informal)Having just enough resources to survive from day to day, with no financial security.
Example
- Many families are living hand to mouth, struggling to pay for basic necessities.
B2Lifestyle
(informal)Spending income immediately on essentials, without any surplus for future needs.
Example
- He lives a hand-to-mouth existence, with no savings for emergencies.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hand to mouth":