Make Ends Meet – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever worried about paying rent, buying groceries, or covering bills on a tight income? Maybe you’ve taken on extra work or cut back on small luxuries just to get by. In English, we say you’re trying to make ends meet! This practical idiom describes the effort to earn just enough money to cover your basic needs.
What Does “Make Ends Meet” Mean?
“Make ends meet” means to earn or manage just enough money to pay for essential living expenses like food, rent, and bills. Think of it like trying to connect the two ends of a belt—if your income is too short, the ends won’t meet! The phrase isn’t literal; it’s a relatable way to say, “I’m barely getting by financially.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or empathetic conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when talking about financial struggles, budgeting, or low-income situations. It’s common when discussing jobs, side gigs, rising costs, or economic hardship. This idiom is informal but widely understood—great for real-life chats, not formal writing.
Example Sentences
- She works two jobs just to make ends meet.
- With inflation, it’s getting harder to make ends meet on a single income.
- He sold his old guitar to help make ends meet this month.
- Many families are struggling to make ends meet after the price hikes.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How’s your new apartment?”
Jamie: “It’s nice—but expensive. I’m picking up freelance work just to make ends meet.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use this phrase when someone is financially comfortable or saving money. It only applies when someone is *struggling* to cover basics—not when they’re managing well or living luxuriously.
❌ Don’t say: “I bought a new car and still made ends meet!” (That suggests extra money, not struggle.)
✅ Do say: “I skipped lunch all week just to make ends meet.”
Practice Tip
Next time you hear someone talk about budgeting tightly or working extra hours, say: “It’s tough to make ends meet these days.” It’s a natural, compassionate way to acknowledge real financial challenges in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “make ends meet” to talk honestly about financial survival in English! It’s a grounded, empathetic phrase that reflects the reality many people face. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes the bravest thing is simply making ends meet, one month at a time.