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

See Examples For:

on relief

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

The committee singled out several local nonprofits, focused on relief and development for minorities and marginalized groups, for criticism.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 6, 2026

Analysts say about 15 billion euros had already been spent in this year’s budget, some of it on relief for consumers’ high energy bills.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 24, 2023

"Right now, our focus is on relief and rehabilitation efforts and restoring normalcy."

From Reuters ● Jun. 16, 2023

One woman telephoned to say that she had decided to quit and go on relief instead.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole