eke out

British  

verb

1. to make (a supply) last, esp by frugal use

   they eked out what little food was left

2. to support (existence) with difficulty and effort

3. to add to (something insufficient), esp with effort

   to eke out an income with evening work

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eke out Idioms  

1. Supplement, make last, as in The survivors eked out their food and water until they were rescued . [Late 1500s]

2. Get with great difficulty or effort, as in The soil was terrible but they managed to eke out a living by rotating crops . [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Investors sheltered in shares of utilities and consumer staples, the only S&P 500 sectors to eke out gains.

From The Wall Street Journal

The nature of T20 cricket means bat dominates ball, although "skilful bowlers remain skilful bowlers," according to Conrad and batsmen need to clear boundaries rather than eke out long innings.

From Barron's

Today, bighorn eke out an existence among the russet-tinged barrel cacti, which they sometimes turn to for water in the harsh desert.

From Los Angeles Times

Overcoming what felt like constant production problems and growing pains, the company sold enough of the cars in the first quarter of 2013 to eke out a slim profit.

From The Wall Street Journal

For growers who were already battling to eke out a living, the situation has only added to their plight.

From Barron's

Related Words

• get by