keep the wolf from the door

Idioms  

1. Ward off starvation or financial ruin. For example, In many countries people are working simply to keep the wolf from the door, and owning a car or washing machine is just a dream, or Gail would take any job now, just to keep the wolf from the door. This term alludes to the wolf's fabled ravenousness. [Mid-1500s]

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Example Sentences

These survivors are here to keep the wolf from the door — to socialize, to dance and drink.

From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2017

Wenger still manages to get the wins to keep the wolf from the door but still has serious issues to address - if he chooses to address them.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2014

But any of this money that's coming to me I have to pay out straight away to keep the wolf from the door.

From BBC • May 4, 2013

The voices chose themselves' … The Wombles Photograph: ITV/Rex I wanted to make serious music, but, to keep the wolf from the door, ended up composing a lot of TV commercials.

From The Guardian • Apr. 22, 2013

Perhaps I ought to add that during all these years of Jerry's prosperity the road has also managed to keep the wolf from the door.

From A Guest at the Ludlow and Other Stories by Edgar Wilson