From hand to mouth meaning

"From hand to mouth" means living on a day-to-day basis without any savings or financial security.


From hand to mouth definitions

Word backwards morf dnah ot htuom
Part of speech This phrase is a phrase that functions as an adverb modifying a verb.
Syllabic division from / hand / to / mouth
Plural The plural form of the phrase "from hand to mouth" remains the same as the singular form.
Total letters 15
Vogais (3) o,a,u
Consonants (7) f,r,m,h,n,d,t

From Hand to Mouth: A Look at the Idiomatic Expression

Origin of the Phrase

The phrase "from hand to mouth" is an idiomatic expression that dates back to the 16th century. It refers to living a day-to-day existence, focusing solely on meeting immediate needs without any thought for the future. The phrase emphasizes the idea of barely surviving, with no room for saving or planning ahead.

Meaning and Usage

When someone is living from hand to mouth, it means that they are just able to provide for their basic needs like food and shelter without being able to save or prepare for the future. This expression is often used to describe individuals or families who are financially struggling and are unable to secure their long-term well-being.

Connotations and Implications

Living from hand to mouth has negative connotations as it implies a lack of stability and security. It suggests that the individual or family is one crisis away from falling into poverty or homelessness. The phrase highlights the precariousness of their situation and the constant struggle to make ends meet.

Alternatives and Solutions

To break the cycle of living from hand to mouth, individuals and families need to find ways to increase their income, reduce expenses, and build savings. This may involve finding additional sources of income, budgeting more effectively, and setting aside money for emergencies. By taking proactive steps, they can move towards financial stability and break free from the constant struggle to survive.


From hand to mouth Examples

  1. She lived from hand to mouth, relying on odd jobs to pay her bills.
  2. The struggling artist was barely surviving, living from hand to mouth.
  3. After losing his job, he had to live from hand to mouth until he found a new source of income.
  4. With no savings left, they were forced to live from hand to mouth for the foreseeable future.
  5. Many families in poverty live from hand to mouth, unsure of where their next meal will come from.
  6. The pandemic left many people in a situation where they had to live from hand to mouth.
  7. Despite working hard, she could only manage to live from hand to mouth due to high living expenses.
  8. The refugee camp provided basic necessities, but many residents still lived from hand to mouth.
  9. In times of economic crisis, more households find themselves having to live from hand to mouth.
  10. Even with a full-time job, the cost of living in the city meant that she still lived from hand to mouth.


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  • Updated 14/05/2024 - 15:59:28