To have enough money to cover basic living expenses.
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To have just enough money to cover the basics.
When you struggle to make ends meet, your pay barely covers your costs and nothing is left over.
It is used for money worries that leave no room at all.
"Scrape By"
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Managing to survive with barely enough resources, often with difficulty and stress
"Live Paycheck to Paycheck"
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Having no savings and spending all income immediately, with nothing left before the next payment
"Make Ends Meet"
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Having just enough income to cover basic living expenses with little or nothing spare