Pronunciation: [ˈiːkɪŋ ˈa͡ʊt ɐ lˈɪvɪŋ] (IPA) 
The phrase "eking out a living" is commonly used to describe making a meager or difficult living. The spelling of "eking" is derived from the verb "eke" (iːk), which means to supplement or make something go further. The '-ing' suffix indicates that the action is ongoing. Combining the two results in the phrase 'eking out'. The pronunciation, according to IPA phonetic transcription, is /ˈiːkɪŋ ˈaʊt ə ˈlɪvɪŋ/.
"Eking out a living" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where an individual or a group of people are able to barely survive or make ends meet, often because of limited resources or adverse circumstances. The phrase carries the connotation of struggling or straining to maintain a basic standard of living.
In this context, "eking" refers to the act of obtaining or acquiring something with great difficulty or through extreme effort. It implies that the person or people involved are managing their resources or income in a very frugal or careful manner, attempting to stretch them as far as possible. The term is often used when referring to individuals or communities who face economic hardships or live in poverty.
Eking out a living typically implies that individuals are barely able to sustain themselves, often having to make difficult trade-offs and sacrifice certain necessities or luxuries in order to survive. It can involve working multiple low-paying jobs, reducing expenses to a minimum, or relying on assistance from social welfare programs.
The term can also evoke a sense of resilience and determination, as individuals who are eking out a living often display commendable perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. It highlights their ability to make the most of meager resources and find innovative solutions to overcome challenges and sustain themselves.
