live off: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘live off’ mean?
The idiom live off means to be supported financially by someone or something, relying on them for one's livelihood or sustenance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "set for life" means to be in a financially secure or comfortable position where one does not have to worry about money for the rest of their life.
The idiom "scrape along" means to manage to live or survive with little money or resources. It implies a struggle or difficulty in making ends meet.
The idiom "put food on the table" means to provide the necessary income or means to support oneself and one's family.
The idiom "prop up" means to support or sustain something or someone that is weak or struggling, often by providing assistance or resources.
The idiom "pay the rent" means to meet one's financial obligations or responsibilities, especially in regard to sustaining one's livelihood or meeting basic needs. It implies fulfilling necessary obligations in order to maintain stability, similar to paying the bills or supporting oneself.
The idiom "pay the bills" means to take care of one's financial responsibilities or obligations.
The idiom "on the breadline" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
The idiom "on someone's dime" means that someone is paying for something on another person's behalf, usually referring to expenses or costs. It implies that someone else is covering the expenses, taking responsibility for the payment.
The idiom "on one's feet" means to be standing or upright physically, or to be financially stable and self-sufficient. It can also refer to being prepared and ready for action.
The idiom "on the back of" means to be supported or carried by something or someone. It implies dependence and relying on someone or something for success or progress.
Unmasking the Significance
live on is another idiom closely related to the expression "live off." While "live off" implies a dependency on something or someone for sustenance or financial support, "live on" conveys the idea of relying on a particular source or means to survive or persist. It can be used in various contexts, such as living on a fixed income, living on savings, or living on the generosity of others.
feed off is another idiomatic expression that shares similarities with "live off." While "live off" emphasizes dependence or support, "feed off" focuses on deriving energy or sustenance from a particular source. This can refer to both literal and figurative situations. For example, a parasite feeds off a host organism, while an artist may feed off the energy and excitement of their audience.
live and die by is a different idiom that can be related to both "live off" and "live on." "Live and die by" expresses the idea of being strongly influenced or affected by something, to the point where one's success or failure is determined by it. It implies a deep connection or reliance on a particular factor. This can be seen in phrases like "She lives and dies by her reputation" or "They live and die by their product quality."
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "live off" can be used in a sentence:
- She is unemployed and currently living off her savings.
- He dropped out of college and now tries to live off odd jobs.
- After winning the lottery, they were able to live off their winnings for the rest of their lives.
More "Sustainability" idioms
