B1idiommoneyIELTS-friendly
make a living
USUK
to earn the money you need to live
Use 'by + -ing' or 'as + job': 'make a living by writing', 'make a living as a writer'. 'Earn a living' means the same.
In context
My grandmother made a living by selling pho on a street corner for thirty years.
It's hard to make a living as a musician unless you also teach.
Common mistake
Incorrect: She makes living by selling flowers.
Correct: She makes a living by selling flowers.
More idioms about money
- a cash cowa product or business that steadily makes a lot of money
- a false economya way of saving money that ends up costing more later
- a gold minea business or thing that makes a lot of money, or a rich source of something
- a golden handshakea large sum of money paid to someone when they leave a job
- a money pitsomething, often a house or car, that costs you much more money than it is worth