make a living — to earn enough money to support oneself and one's family
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to earn enough money to support oneself and one's family
Pronunciation (IPA): /meɪk ə ˈlɪvɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- He decided to make a living by selling funny cat videos online.
- Many artists struggle to make a living from their creative work.
- She makes a living by teaching people how to talk to their houseplants.
make a living
VERB[/meɪk ə ˈlɪvɪŋ/]
to earn enough money to support oneself and one's family
He works at the night market every evening to make a living for his family.
Make a living by giving, find peace in forgiving
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in the 14th century, combining the Old English verb 'make' (meaning to create or obtain) with 'living' (meaning livelihood or subsistence). Over time, the combination solidified into an idiomatic expression denoting the act of earning one's subsistence or income.
Breakdown
make (to create, obtain) + a living (livelihood, subsistence). The phrase functions as a verb phrase where 'living' functions as a noun meaning one's means of support or income.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He decided to make a living by selling funny cat videos online.”
“Many artists struggle to make a living from their creative work.”
“She makes a living by teaching people how to talk to their houseplants.”
“It's getting harder to make a living in this expensive city.”
📚Related Words
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