Keep the wolf from the door Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To manage to have enough money for basic needs like food and shelter; to avoid going hungry or becoming destitute.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, somewhat old-fashioned expression, usually used about financial struggle or narrowly avoiding poverty. Common with verbs like 'struggle to', 'barely', or when talking about earnings. Rare in formal writing, more often spoken or in literature.
Example Sentences
She works two jobs to keep the wolf from the door.
basic
A small pension helps them keep the wolf from the door.
basic
He sells vegetables just to keep the wolf from the door.
basic
I don’t earn much, but it’s enough to keep the wolf from the door.
natural
During tough times, everyone is just trying to keep the wolf from the door.
natural
He picked up odd jobs here and there to keep the wolf from the door.
natural