"On the breadline" is a phrase used to describe a person or family who is living in poverty, often struggling to survive. The word "breadline" is spelled as /bred-laɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The pronunciation of the word is phonetically broken down as "bred" and "line", respectively pronounced as /bred/ and /laɪn/. It is believed that the term originates from the queues or lines of people waiting for food during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Today, the phrase is still commonly used to describe people living in poverty.
The phrase "on the breadline" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the early 20th century and refers to the state of extreme poverty or financial destitution that forces individuals or families to live at a subsistence level, barely affording the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, and clothing.
The term "breadline" historically refers to the line or queue of people waiting for free or inexpensive food, typically provided by charitable organizations or soup kitchens, during times of economic hardship, such as the Great Depression. Being "on the breadline" thus signifies being in a situation where one's financial means are so severely limited that they must rely on such assistance to survive.
When someone is described as being "on the breadline," it implies that they are living in an impoverished condition and struggling to make ends meet, often facing constant uncertainty and insecurity regarding their basic needs. This can result from a variety of factors, including unemployment, underemployment, low wages, or overwhelming debts.
The phrase highlights the dire circumstances and lack of resources that individuals facing economic hardship experience, emphasizing their vulnerability and limited options to improve their situation. It underscores the hardships faced by those who find themselves in such circumstances, highlighting the urgent need for support and socioeconomic equality.