Keep the wolf from the door

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Meaning

To fend off poverty or harm, just scraping by.

Origin

From 15th-century England, tied to wolves; proverb by 1490s for want, as in a 1546 Heywood list. Wolves meant hunger's threat; it reflects a medieval wild and lean times.

Variants

  • Wolf at door

Usage Examples

  • This job keeps the wolf from the door.
  • Keeping the wolf from the door-barely.
  • Keep the wolf from the door; pay's tight.

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