eke out a living

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For growers who were already battling to eke out a living, the situation has only added to their plight.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

In the spring of 1879, during planting season, local farmers were evaluating their options for how to eke out a living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

Further inland, the Trinity Spirit’s surviving crew members have been left to eke out a living as they wait for the wages they say were never paid.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

They were South Africans who had made their way to Johannesburg from rural provinces, and migrants from countries like Malawi and Tanzania, all trying to eke out a living in the big city.

From New York Times • Sep. 20, 2023

Rumor had it that they had booked passage on a ship to America, where they planned to open a Russian tea room, perhaps in New York City, and eke out a living that way.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood