eke
Also found in: Dictionary, Acronyms, Wikipedia.
eke out
1. To use something sparingly in an attempt to preserve it. A noun or pronoun can be used between "eke" and "out." Until somebody finds us shipwrecked here, we’ll have to eke out all the supplies we have. If that's the last roll of toilet paper, we'll have to eke it out—all the stores around here are closed at this hour! Sheesh, how long do you plan to eke out these leftovers?
2. To obtain something through hard work or effort. A noun or pronoun can be used between "eke" and "out." In addition to my full-time job, I started doing some freelance work and can now eke out my rent payment. Do you think we can eke any more toothpaste out of the tube? We finally managed to eke out enough blood for her labs, and her blood gases are looking much better now.
3. To manage to do something successfully immediately before a deadline or in the last remaining amount of time. A noun or pronoun can be used between "eke" and "out." Thanks to two goals in the third period, we were able to eke out a win. You seriously eked out a five page paper in an hour? Wow. I can't believe they managed to hold on to that 1—0 lead and eke out a win!
eke out a living
To manage to survive without much money at one's disposal. I just can't eke out a living on the amount of money you're paying me, so I'll have to start looking for another job. I think you should go back to work, John, because the family can't eke out a living on my job alone anymore. There's something wrong in this country if people can barely eke out a living even while working three jobs!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
eke something out
to extend something; to add to something. He worked at two jobs in order to eke his income out. He managed to eke out a living.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
eke out
1. Supplement, make last, as in The survivors eked out their food and water until they were rescued. [Late 1500s]
2. Get with great difficulty or effort, as in The soil was terrible but they managed to eke out a living by rotating crops. [Early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.