live within means — To spend no more money than one earns or has, avoiding debt by matching expenses to income.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To spend no more money than one earns or has, avoiding debt by matching expenses to income.
Pronunciation (IPA): /lɪv wɪˈðɪn miːnz/
Example Sentences
- My friend drives a used car and lives within his means, while I'm still paying off my fancy sports car.
- The government urged citizens to live within their means during the economic downturn.
- She swore she'd live within her means this year, right after buying a fifth pair of designer shoes.
live within means
VERB[/lɪv wɪˈðɪn miːnz/]
To spend no more money than one earns or has, avoiding debt by matching expenses to income.
They live within means by cooking at home and skipping fancy dinners out.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in Middle English when 'means' developed the sense of 'financial resources' or 'wealth,' derived from Old French 'meien' (middle, medium). The expression combines 'live within' (to remain or stay inside) with 'means' (one's economic capacity), creating an image of conducting one's life within the boundaries of one's financial ability.
Breakdown
live (to conduct one's existence) + within (inside the limits of) + means (financial resources or economic capacity). The phrase uses 'within' as a preposition establishing a boundary, with 'means' as the noun denoting available financial resources.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My friend drives a used car and lives within his means, while I'm still paying off my fancy sports car.”
“The government urged citizens to live within their means during the economic downturn.”
“She swore she'd live within her means this year, right after buying a fifth pair of designer shoes.”
“Financial experts always emphasize the importance of living within your means to avoid debt.”
📚Related Words
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