catch-as-catch-can (kăchəz-kăch-kăn, kěchəz-kěch-)
adj.
Using or making do with whatever means are available; irregular:
made a catch-as-catch-can living doing odd jobs.
adv.
However or by whatever means possible: “Reading was learned catch-as-catch-can, while reindeer farming was learned deeply and thoroughly through the daily rigors of survival” (Bunny McBride).

[TahlilGaran] American Dictionary ▲

catch as catch can
achieved any way that is possible and not in a planned way.
Without a school to go to, her education was catch as catch can.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

catch-as-catch-can
[American]
achieved any way that is possible and not in a planned way.
We were working round the clock to finish the project so food and sleep were catch-as-catch-can.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

catch-as-catch-can
in any way possible
We are in the middle of moving house so our meals are catch-as-catch-can.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

catch as catch can
catch-as-catch-can¹ adv. phr. In a free manner; in any way possible; in the best way you can.
On moving day everything is packed and we eat meals catch-as-catch-can.
catch-as-catch-can² adj. phr. Using any means or method; unplanned; free.
Rip van Winkle seems to have led a catch-as-catch-can life.
Politics is rather a catch-as-catch-can business.
Compare: HIT-OR-MISS.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲