SCRAPING BY Meaning and
Definition
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Scraping by is a colloquial phrase that refers to a situation in which someone is barely managing to survive or make ends meet due to financial difficulties or a lack of resources. This term is often used to describe individuals or families who are living in poverty or experiencing economic hardship.
When a person is scraping by, it means they are just barely earning or obtaining enough money to cover their basic needs and obligations, such as food, housing, utilities, and other essential expenses. It implies that their income or resources are significantly insufficient, leaving them with little margin for unexpected expenses or luxuries. They may have to make tough decisions and sacrifices in order to cover their basic needs, often having to prioritize which bills to pay or find creative ways to make their limited resources stretch further.
Living a life of scraping by can be extremely challenging and stressful, as individuals in this situation often face constant financial insecurity and struggle to attain a better quality of life. They may have to work multiple jobs, rely on public assistance, or depend on the support of charitable organizations or friends and family. The term "scraping by" highlights the precariousness and difficulty of their circumstances, conveying a sense of hardship, resourcefulness, and determination to survive despite overwhelming financial constraints.
Common Misspellings for SCRAPING BY
- acraping by
- zcraping by
- xcraping by
- dcraping by
- ecraping by
- wcraping by
- sxraping by
- svraping by
- sfraping by
- sdraping by
- sceaping by
- scdaping by
- scfaping by
- sctaping by
- sc5aping by
- sc4aping by
- scrzping by
- scrsping by
- scrwping by
- scrqping by
Etymology of SCRAPING BY
The phrase "scraping by" is an idiomatic expression in English, used to describe someone barely managing to survive financially or make ends meet. The etymology of this phrase is somewhat unclear, but it likely originates from the idea of physically scraping or collecting leftover scraps or bits to sustain oneself.
The word "scraping" is derived from the verb "to scrape", which comes from Middle English "scrapen" and Old English "scrapian". Originally, it referred to the action of scratching or rubbing a surface, often to remove something or collect remnants. By extension, the term began to be used figuratively to represent the act of barely obtaining enough resources or income to subsist.
The word "by" in this phrase refers to the mere sufficiency of one's efforts or circumstances. It means getting through or getting by with the bare minimum.
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