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Region: General | Usage example: During the launch, the team lived hand to mouth.

Hand to mouth

Meaning

Living with just enough to survive.

Usage

Used when describing precarious finances or supplies.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Feeding animals directly from the hand to avoid waste.

Used in 19th-century descriptions of impoverished living.

Related Idioms

Hand in hand

Closely connected or cooperating

Bite the hand that feeds you

Harm or disrespect someone who supports you.

Put your money where your mouth is

Support words with action or investment.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.