make a living
The phrase "make a living" is commonly used to describe the act of earning enough income to cover one's basic needs and expenses.
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Definition
B2Everyday Conversation
(informal)To earn enough money to support oneself and cover basic needs.
Example
- She makes a living as a freelance writer.
- It's hard to make a living with just a part-time job.
C1Business and Economics
(formal)To engage in work or activities that generate sufficient income for sustenance.
Example
- Many people in the region make a living through agriculture.
- He struggled to make a living during the economic downturn.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "make a living":
live offearn one's keepturn a profitlive onmake doon the makelive outlive withlive inbring home the baconmake one's bones