on relief

Idioms  

1. Also, on welfare; on the dole. Receiving public financial assistance, as in Half the people in this town are on relief, or Don hated the idea of going on welfare. The first two terms originated in the United States in the 1930s, when government assistance of this kind was first instituted. On the dole, used mainly in Britain but occasionally in America, dates from the 1920s, although the use of dole for a charitable gift dates from about 1200.

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Example Sentences

Over the last two offseasons, the Dodgers spent a combined $141 million on relief pitchers Edwin Díaz and Tanner Scott, both of whom are expected to make their first spring training appearances later this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Many Goma residents previously relied on relief supplies delivered through the city’s international airport, but the rebels have shut the airport down, hobbling aid groups’ efforts to replenish depleted stocks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

“Gaza has become very quickly dependent on relief handouts,” Touma said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

Even their deep sunset-orange hue says fall is right around the corner — hold on, relief from this heat is coming.

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2023

Most folks in Key West were on relief.

From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm