live on the breadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "live on the breadline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or group of people who have little or no income and are barely able to survive. For example: "Many people are struggling to make ends meet and some are even living on the breadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I know what it is like to live on the breadline".

Independent

He went on to promote and play music, sell craftwork, occasionally live on the breadline and work as a movie extra.

The New York Times

Duncan Smith, the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, told his local newspaper that he had experienced two periods of unemployment and knew what it was like "to live on the breadline".

The Guardian

Unlike the unfolding social catastrophe caused by the work capability assessment, the public might be quicker to notice the unfairness of micromanaging and stigmatising working people who live on the breadline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Duncan Smith dismissed the petition as a "complete stunt" and told his local Wanstead and Woodford Guardian he had been unemployed twice so "I know what it is like to live on the breadline".

BBC

"Research Council stipends are too low -- it's ridiculous to ask graduate students to live on the breadline to do scientific research," says Sockett, "They need a stipend which allows them to live normally, especially in light of debts they are often carrying due to the costs of undergraduate studies".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I had experience of living in someone else's home, living on the breadline.

The Guardian

People around here are living on the breadline as it is.

The Guardian

However, the family are now living on the breadline, her barrister, Brie Stoldns-Hoare QC, thed the court.

The Guardian

It's a searingly honest and brutal portrayal of ordinary people living on the breadline.

The Guardian - Film

The Child Poverty Action Group is deeply concerned that the next raft of cuts will lead to more children living on the breadline.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "live on the breadline", ensure that the context clearly indicates a state of extreme poverty or near-poverty where basic necessities are a constant struggle. This phrase is most impactful when describing systemic issues or personal experiences with financial hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "live on the breadline" in highly formal or business writing. While grammatically correct, it is often more appropriate in journalistic or narrative contexts. Opt for more neutral language such as "living below the poverty line" or "experiencing financial hardship" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "live on the breadline" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of chronic poverty or near-poverty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English expression. Examples show it describing individuals, families, and communities facing financial hardship.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "live on the breadline" is a correct and usable English phrase that describes the condition of people experiencing severe financial hardship. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and its prevalence in journalistic and narrative contexts. While it is acceptable for general use, opting for terms like "living below the poverty line" might be preferable in formal contexts. Be mindful of the emotional weight and social implications when using this phrase, as it directly relates to the hardships faced by those struggling to make ends meet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

live in poverty

A more general term indicating a lack of financial resources.

live hand to mouth

Describes a situation where one's earnings are immediately spent on basic needs.

struggle to make ends meet

Focuses on the difficulty of managing finances to cover basic needs.

live from paycheck to paycheck

Describes the action to depend entirely on wages or salary from one pay period to the next.

barely survive

Emphasizes the precariousness of existence with minimal resources.

be in dire straits

Highlights the urgency and severity of the financial situation.

scrape by

Highlights the effort and difficulty in managing with limited resources.

exist on next to nothing

Stresses the minimal amount of resources available.

be destitute

Implies a state of extreme poverty and lack of resources.

be down and out

Focuses on the social aspect of poverty, with hopelessness and despair. This is the only related phrase in this list that should be used with caution as it implies an element of homelessness and despair.

FAQs

What does it mean to "live on the breadline"?

To "live on the breadline" means to exist in a state of poverty where one's income is barely sufficient to cover basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. It implies a constant struggle to make ends meet.

How can I use "live on the breadline" in a sentence?

You might say, "Many families are struggling to "struggle to make ends meet" and some are even "live on the breadline" due to low wages and rising living costs." or "The documentary poignantly portrayed the lives of those who "live on the breadline" in the inner city."

What are some alternatives to "live on the breadline"?

Alternatives include "live in poverty", "barely survive", or "scrape by", each carrying slightly different connotations related to financial hardship.

Is "live on the breadline" a formal or informal expression?

"Live on the breadline" is generally considered an informal expression, often used in journalistic, narrative, or everyday contexts. In more formal or business settings, phrases like "living below the poverty line" or "experiencing financial hardship" may be more appropriate.