Lean times Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫin/ /ˈtaɪmz

LEEN TYMZ

UK

lˈiːn/ /tˈaɪmz

LEEN TYMEZ

Definition

A period when there is not much money, food, or resources, and life is more difficult than usual. It is often used to talk about financial hardship.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic, semi-formal expression often used in news, business, or everyday conversation. Common phrase: 'during lean times.' Do not confuse with 'lean' as a verb. Similar phrases: 'hard times', 'tough times'.

• Spanish: época de vacas flacas - tiempos difíciles
• Portuguese (BR): tempos difíceis - época de vacas magras
• Portuguese (PT): tempos difíceis - época de vacas magras
• Chinese (Simplified): 艰难时期 - 困难时期
• Chinese (Traditional): 艱難時期 - 困難時期
• Hindi: मुश्किल समय - तंगी के दिन
• Arabic: أوقات عصيبة - أوقات صعبة
• Bengali: কঠিন সময় - দুর্দিন
• Russian: тяжёлые времена - трудные времена
• Japanese: 苦しい時期 - 不景気な時代
• Vietnamese: thời kỳ khó khăn - thời gian túng thiếu
• Korean: 어려운 시기 - 힘든 시절
• Turkish: zor zamanlar - kıtlık zamanı
• Urdu: مشکل وقت - کٹھن دور
• Indonesian: masa-masa sulit - masa sulit - masa kekurangan

Example Sentences

Many families save money for lean times.

basic

During lean times, people eat simpler food.

basic

The company cut costs in lean times.

basic

We had to make a lot of sacrifices during those lean times.

natural

Even big cities struggle in lean times when jobs are scarce.

natural

Farmers know how to get by in lean times—they’ve seen plenty.

natural