Phrasal verbs "eat out" vs "eke out"

Differences between eat out and eke out

Eat out means to dine at a restaurant or eat food prepared outside of the home, while eke out means to barely manage to make a living or survive with limited resources.

Meanings and Definitions: eat out vs eke out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Eat out

  • 1Eat in a restaurant.

    We couldn't be bothered to cook so we ATE OUT last night.

Eke out

  • 1Make something like money last as long as possible.

    Most students have to EKE OUT their income because they have so little money to live on.

Usage Examples: eat out, eke out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

eat out

Example

We usually eat out on weekends.

Example

She eats out with her friends every Friday.

eke out

Example

She tries to eke out her savings by shopping at discount stores.

Example

He ekes out his monthly salary by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Eat out

To eat at a restaurant or outside of the home.

Example

Let's dine out tonight and try that new Italian restaurant.

grab a bite

To quickly eat a small meal or snack.

Example

I don't have time for a full lunch, let's just grab a bite at the food truck.

Food that is ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere.

Example

I'm too tired to cook, let's order some takeaway and watch a movie at home.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Eke out

To barely manage to survive or make ends meet with limited resources.

Example

With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to scrape by on minimum wage jobs.

To manage with what is available or to improvise with limited resources.

Example

We don't have enough chairs for everyone, so we'll have to make do with some pillows on the floor.

To manage to survive or make ends meet with limited resources.

Example

After losing his job, he had to find creative ways to get by until he found a new one.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “eat”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in eat out vs eke out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: eat out or eke out?

In daily conversation, people use eat out more often than eke out. This is because eating out is a common activity and part of many people's routines. On the other hand, eke out is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about struggling to make ends meet. So, while both phrases are used, eat out is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of eat out and eke out

Eat out and eke out are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of eat out and eke out

The tone of eat out and eke out can differ based on context. Eat out typically has a casual and enjoyable tone, especially when referring to socializing with friends or family. On the other hand, eke out often carries a somber or desperate tone when related to financial struggles or survival.

eat out & eke out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Eat out

Synonyms

  • dine out
  • have a meal out
  • go out for a meal
  • go out to eat

Antonyms

  • eat in
  • dine in
  • cook at home
  • stay in

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