Make ends meet

Meaning

Have enough money or resources to cover necessities.

Usage

Used when finances are tight.

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.

Possibly sewing imagery of matching fabric ends or balancing budgets.

Used since the 19th century in economic discussions.