make a living

make a living is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression make a living is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "make a living"

Meaning

To ‘make a living’ is an idiom meaning to earn enough money to pay for the necessities of life. A person needs to make a living when they are not receiving money from any other sources and are fully responsible for their own financial stability. The phrase may also be used to refer to doing something one loves, such as a job or occupation. This idiom can be used figuratively as well, with the meaning that a person is making the best of a difficult situation.

Etymology

The phrase ‘make a living’ first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. It was originally used to refer to the act of making a living by tending to animals and harvesting crops, as this is how many people during this period earned their livelihood. Over time, the phrase began to take on a more general meaning, referring to any occupation a person may take up in order to survive. It is believed that the phrase is derived from the Latin ‘fecit vivere’, meaning ‘to make to live’.

Usage

The phrase ‘make a living’ is used in both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in conversations as well as in professional settings such as interviews and job applications. It is typically used to refer to a person’s primary occupation and is often used in the context of discussing career goals, financial stability, and more. It can also be used to describe someone’s situation in a more general sense, such as when they are struggling to make ends meet.

Example Sentences

• I’m trying to make a living as a freelance writer.
• She’s working two jobs just to make a living.
• He was able to make a living selling his hand-crafted furniture.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.