Scrape by

usgb
phrasal verb

To manage to live or do a job, but with difficulty, just having enough to survive.

After losing her job, she's barely scraping by on her savings.
Visual representation of "scrape by" - To manage to live or do a job, but with difficulty, just having enough to survive.

Often appears as...

  • scrape by on
  • just scrape by

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "scrape by"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Living Context

Use 'scrape by' to describe a tough situation where someone struggles financially.

Illustration for Living Context
He had to scrape by on a minimum wage job.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Financial Struggle

Implies significant effort to cover basic living expenses due to low resources.

Illustration for Financial Struggle
With rising expenses, they're finding it harder to scrape by.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Survival Implication

Suggests a person is doing the minimum to stay afloat in life or maintain their status.

Illustration for Survival Implication
She's scraping by each month, barely paying her bills.
Visual representation of the word "Scrape by"

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