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eke out

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eke something out

to extend something; to add to something. He worked at two jobs in order to eke his income out. He managed to eke out a living.

See also: out

eke out

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]

See also: out