make ends meet
/meɪk ɛndz miːt/
Meaning
This idiom means to earn just enough money to pay for your basic essential expenses, like rent, food, and bills. It is often used in the negative or to describe financial difficulties. The tone can be empathetic, serious, or matter-of-fact.
Examples
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With the rising cost of rent, many families are struggling to make ends meet.
With the rising cost of rent, many families are struggling to make ends meet.
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She had to take a second job just to make ends meet every month.
She had to take a second job just to make ends meet every month.
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When I was a student, I barely made ends meet by working part-time at a cafe.
When I was a student, I barely made ends meet by working part-time at a cafe.
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Even though they live simply, they still find it hard to make ends meet.
Even though they live simply, they still find it hard to make ends meet.
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My parents worked long hours to make ends meet and provide for us.
My parents worked long hours to make ends meet and provide for us.
Common Mistakes
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✗ It is difficult to make the ends meet.
✓ It is difficult to make ends meet.
Do not use the definite article 'the' before 'ends' in this fixed idiom.
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✗ He works hard to make ends meeting.
✓ He works hard to make ends meet.
The verb 'meet' must remain in its base form inside this idiom; do not use the gerund '-ing' form.
Related Expressions
Practice
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After losing his job, he found it extremely difficult to ___.
💡 Have enough money to pay for basic living expenses.
Show answer
make ends meet
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Many young people need roommates to help them ___ in expensive cities.
💡 Pay their monthly bills and rent.
Show answer
make ends meet