live on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘live on’ mean?
The idiom "live on" means to survive or continue to exist, especially under difficult circumstances. It can also refer to relying on a particular source of income or sustenance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stay on" means to continue to work or be employed in a certain place or position for a period of time.
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 "run on fumes" means to continue doing something or functioning even though one has little energy, resources, or fuel left.
The idiom "run on empty" means to continue doing something despite having no energy, resources, or motivation left.
The idiom "run on" means to continue speaking without pausing or to continue happening without stopping. It can also refer to a sentence that is too long and lacks proper punctuation.
The idiom "rock on" means to continue doing something in an enthusiastic and confident manner, often used as a way to express encouragement or admiration.
The idiom "ride out" means to endure or survive a difficult situation or problem without giving up or being greatly affected by it.
The idiom "put food on the table" means to provide the necessary income or means to support oneself and one's family.
The idiom "press on" means to continue or persevere, despite difficulties or obstacles. It implies determination and the refusal to give up. It can be used to encourage someone to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
The idiom "on the breadline" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
Unraveling 'Live On''s Deeper Significance
The idiom "live on" is a phrase commonly used in English. Its origins are unclear, but it has evolved over time and has different meanings and contexts.
One meaning of "live on" is to continue to exist or endure. It can refer to a person, an idea, or a memory. It suggests that something or someone will persist despite challenges or obstacles. For example, we often hear phrases like "The legacy of his work lives on" or "Her spirit will live on in our hearts."
"live off" is a related idiom that means to rely on or subsist on something or someone. It is often used in the context of financial or material support. For instance, we might say that someone is living off a tight budget or living off their savings. It implies that the person is managing to survive with limited resources.
"live and die by" is another related idiom. It means to depend entirely on something or be greatly influenced by it. It suggests that the success or failure of something is determined by a particular factor. For example, a sports team may live and die by the performance of its star player.
"live on the edge" is a phrase related to taking risks or living a daring and adventurous life. It implies that someone is constantly pushing boundaries or engaging in dangerous activities. Living on the edge can be exhilarating but also comes with potential consequences.
"stay on" is an idiom that means to remain in a particular place or position. It suggests that someone is not moving or changing their current situation. For example, we might say that someone is staying on at their current job instead of seeking new opportunities.
"live beyond one's means" is a related idiom that refers to spending more money than one can afford. It suggests that someone is living a lifestyle that exceeds their financial resources. Living beyond one's means can lead to financial difficulties and debt.
Additionally, "live on" can mean to broadcast or transmit live, especially in the context of television or radio. It indicates that a program or event is being aired in real-time, allowing audiences to experience it as it happens.
Metaphorically, "live on" can imply being remembered or immortalized. It suggests that someone or something will be honored or commemorated in the collective memory of others. For example, we might say that an artist's work will live on through their masterpieces or that a historical event will live on in the annals of history.
The idiom "live on" encompasses a range of meanings, including persistence, reliance, broadcasting, risk-taking, and immortality. It has found its way into various aspects of the English language, leaving room for further exploration and interpretation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *live on* can be used in a sentence:
- After his parents passed away, he had to learn how to live on his own.
- The memory of her will live on in our hearts forever.
- Despite facing criticism, the band's legacy continues to live on through their music.
More "Survive" idioms
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