ˌhand-to-ˈmouth adjective
if you have a hand-to-mouth existence, you have just enough money and food to live

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

hand-to-mouth
live (from) hand to mouth - to have just enough money to live on and nothing extra.
Low wages mean a hand-to-mouth existence for many people.
(always before noun)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hand-to-mouth
have only enough money for basic living
He was living a hand-to-mouth existence until he was finally able to find a job.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hand to mouth
adj. Not providing for the future; living from day to day; not saving for later.
Many native tribes lead a hand-to-mouth existence, content to have food for one day at a time.
John is not a saving boy; he spends his money without thought for the future, and lives a hand-to-mouth life. See: LIVE FROM HAND TO MOUTH.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲