The phrase "eke out a living" means to barely make enough money to survive. The spelling of "eke" may seem unusual, but it is actually derived from the Middle English word "eken," which means "to increase." The IPA phonetic transcription for "eke" is /iːk/. The long "e" sound is pronounced first, followed by the "k" sound. Though this phrase may not be commonly used in modern language, it remains a powerful reminder of the struggle many people face to make ends meet.
To "eke out a living" means to barely or marginally sustain one's existence or support oneself financially. The phrase "eke out" comes from the Middle English word "eken," which means to increase or augment. It implies that one is managing to just scrape by and make ends meet, often in difficult or challenging circumstances.
When someone is said to be "ekeing out a living," it typically suggests that their income or resources are very limited or insufficient. They may have a job or engage in various income-generating activities, but these endeavors are barely enough to sustain their basic needs. The person might face constant financial struggles, living paycheck to paycheck, and struggling to afford even the most essential items, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
"Eking out a living" often involves frugal living, making tough choices, and relying on various strategies to make the meager income stretch as far as possible. It can also involve taking on multiple jobs or engaging in informal economic activities to supplement earnings.
The phrase emphasizes the minimal nature of the person's existence, implying that their quality of life may be compromised, and they may experience ongoing hardship and deprivation. "Eking out a living" reflects a precarious financial situation and a constant struggle to maintain a basic standard of living.