English idiom

live paycheck to paycheck

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

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Figurative meaning

to spend all of each salary before the next one arrives, with no savings

Why this phrase?

The phrase describes the narrow interval literally: one salary must last only until the next arrives, leaving no reserve.

Example

“A third of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, the survey found.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

back against the wall

in a desperate situation with few options left

bang for your buck

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

live it up

to celebrate or indulge freely, usually by spending more than usual

make ends meet

To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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