on the breadline

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the breadline" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to people who are struggling to make ends meet or who are living in poverty. For example: "Many families in the city are living on the breadline, unable to afford basic necessities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The battered faces of farmers on the breadline stare cautiously as one Syriza man delivers a Bolshevik-style oration: "Why do the IMF want to destroy us?

The Guardian

They're on the breadline with minuscule budgets.

The Guardian

I have experienced life on the breadline.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To have enough money, not to be on the breadline.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Many of them are on the breadline," he says.

The Guardian

But it is not right to achieve this by putting more children on the breadline".

Independent

To qualify for the cards, Americans do not have to be exactly on the breadline.

Independent

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

Independent

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Film

The Younger family have lived for years on the breadline in a cramped apartment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the breadline", ensure the context clearly indicates a struggle with basic needs such as food, housing, and clothing. It's best used to describe a chronic state of financial insecurity, rather than a temporary setback.

Common error

Avoid using "on the breadline" to describe temporary financial difficulties. The phrase is most accurate when depicting a long-term or persistent state of poverty, not a one-time expense or short-term setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the breadline" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state of extreme poverty or financial hardship. Ludwig examples show it describes people or families living with very little money.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

3%

Less common in

Arts

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the breadline" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe individuals or families living in significant poverty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to raise awareness and evoke empathy for those struggling to afford basic necessities. While related to terms like "living in poverty", it often implies a more immediate and precarious financial situation. When using the phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a chronic struggle with basic needs, avoiding its application to temporary financial setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

living in poverty

Focuses on the general state of being poor; a broader term.

having difficulty making ends meet

Describes the struggle to cover basic expenses.

struggling financially

Highlights the difficulty in managing finances.

below the poverty line

Refers to a specific, measurable level of income.

in financial hardship

Highlights the difficulties caused by a lack of money.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the financial situation.

impoverished

Describes a state of being made poor.

hard up

An informal term for being short of money.

penniless

Implies a complete lack of money.

destitute

Suggests extreme poverty and lack of resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the breadline" to describe individuals or families experiencing significant financial hardship. For example, "Many pensioners are living on the breadline, struggling to afford basic necessities."

What's a more formal way to say "on the breadline"?

More formal alternatives to "on the breadline" include "living in poverty" or "below the poverty line". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is "on the breadline" the same as "in poverty"?

While similar, "on the breadline" often suggests a more immediate and precarious situation than simply "in poverty". It implies a constant struggle to obtain basic necessities.

What can I say instead of "on the breadline" to emphasize extreme hardship?

To emphasize extreme hardship, you could use phrases like "in dire straits" or "destitute". These terms convey a sense of desperation and lack of resources.