B2idiommoneyIELTS-friendly
make ends meet
USUK
to have just enough money to pay for the things you need
Often with 'struggle to', 'barely' or 'just'. Neutral, so fine in both speaking and writing.
In context
Many young workers in Hanoi take a second job just to make ends meet.
After the factory cut his hours, he struggled to make ends meet.
Common mistake
Incorrect: make end meet
Correct: make ends meet
More idioms about money
- a nest eggan amount of money saved over time for the future, such as retirement
- a rip-offsomething that costs far more than it is really worth
- break the bankto cost more money than you can afford
- cost an arm and a legto be very expensive
- down the drainwasted or lost completely, especially money or effort