make ends meet — have just enough money
expressionB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To have just enough money to pay for what you need.
Pattern: make ends meet / struggle to make ends meet
In use
- Since the rent went up, it's been hard to make ends meet.talking about money worries
- A: How are things since you switched jobs?
B: We just about make ends meet, but it's tight.catching up with a friend
Common mistake
✗ make end meet
✓ make ends meet
It's the fixed plural 'ends' — 'make ends meet'.
Don't confuse it
About covering basics month to month, not about having spare money or savings.