Hand to mouth: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Hand to mouth” mean?

"Hand to mouth" means living with just enough money to cover basic needs.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After losing his job, he was living hand to mouth for months.

Example

They struggled to make ends meet and lived hand to mouth for years.

Example

With the rising cost of living, many families are forced to live hand to mouth

Is “Hand to mouth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Hand to mouth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Hand to mouth” effectively in context?

You can use "Hand to Mouth" to describe a situation where someone is living with just enough money to cover basic needs. It emphasizes the struggle and lack of financial stability. For example, if a friend is talking about their financial difficulties, you might say, 'I understand how tough it can be to live hand to mouth.'

• 1. Financial Struggles

  After losing his job, he was living hand to mouth for months.

• 2. Making Ends Meet

  They struggled to make ends meet and lived hand to mouth for years.

• 3. Rising Cost of Living

  With the rising cost of living, many families are forced to live hand to mouth.

Similar phrases to “Hand to mouth”:

Living paycheck to paycheck

To have just enough money to cover expenses until the next paycheck

Example

She was living paycheck to paycheck and couldn't afford any unexpected expenses.

Scraping by

To barely have enough money to survive

Example

They were scraping by and had to cut back on expenses.

Living on the edge

To live with constant financial uncertainty and insecurity

Example

He was living on the edge, never knowing if he could afford basic necessities.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Hand to mouth” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Hand to Mouth" is unknown.

Is “Hand to mouth” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Hand to Mouth" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe financial struggles and the difficulty of making ends meet.

What tone does “Hand to mouth” have?

"Hand to Mouth" conveys a tone of hardship and financial instability. It is typically used to describe challenging situations and empathize with those facing financial difficulties.

Can “Hand to mouth” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Hand to Mouth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely understood expression that describes a common financial situation. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal discussions or writing about financial topics.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They were barely getting by and living hand to mouth.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Living "hand to mouth" is tough.' to imply financial struggles.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• barely making ends meet
• living from hand to mouth
• surviving on a shoestring budget
• living on the breadline
• living in poverty

Antonyms

• financial stability
• comfortable living
• financial security
• wealthy living
• affluent lifestyle