keep the wolf from the door
Stave off destitution
To keep the wolf from the door is to have just enough money to survive—to ward off hunger and poverty.
The wolf represents destitution waiting to enter: She took a second job just to keep the wolf from the door.
The phrase suggests modest success at best, implying ongoing struggle rather than comfort.
Manage financially, just barely
- scrape bySurvive with minimal resources
- eke outObtain with difficulty
- subsistenceMinimal means of living
- hand-to-mouthConsuming resources immediately
bare necessities · livelihood · scrimp · skimp · tide over · shoestring · weather · endure
Leavened flour product
- foodConsumable nourishment source
- nourishmentFood that sustains life
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
- mealsScheduled eating occasions
sustenance · rations · victuals · shelter · rent · bills · wages · income
make ends meet
Manage financially, just barely
- scrape bySurvive with minimal resources
- eke outObtain with difficulty
- subsistenceMinimal means of living
hand-to-mouth · bare necessities · livelihood · scrimp · skimp · tide over · shoestring · weather · endure · get by
bread
Leavened flour product
- foodConsumable nourishment source
- nourishmentFood that sustains life
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
meals · sustenance · rations · victuals · shelter · rent · bills · wages · income · earnings
keep the wolf from the doorstarve
Perish from hunger
go hungry · go bankrupt · hit rock bottom · go without · thrive