keeps the lights on
Covers basic expenses
Keeps the lights on means earning enough to cover basic expenses—rent, utilities, necessities.
The phrase emphasizes subsistence over prosperity: The job isn't glamorous, but it keeps the lights on.
It often describes work that's unremarkable but essential, or a business strategy focused on survival rather than growth: We're not getting rich, just keeping the lights on.
- essentialsIndispensable items or elements
- basic needsRequirements for survival
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
- reliabilityConsistent, predictable performance
- upkeepOngoing preservation effort
survival · revenue · functionality · infrastructure · operations · solvency · income · bare minimum · maintenance · sustenance · breadwinner · steady paycheck · sustainability · budget · provision · profitability · necessities · pays the bills
keeps the lights ongoes bankrupt
Becomes legally insolvent
goes under · fails · shuts down · folds · collapses
keeps the lights onthrives
Succeeds and grows
flourishes · prospers · excels · booms · makes a killing
keeps the lights onpulls the plug
Terminates abruptly, often unexpectedly
winds down · shutters · goes dark · liquidates · abandons ship
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