live by one's wits

Manage by clever expedience rather than hard work or wealth. For example, Alan's never held a steady job but manages to live by his wits. This expression uses wits in the sense of "keen mental faculties." [c. 1600]

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Thulile	-	Southern African, Zulu
Helewidis	-	Ancient Germanic
Franci	-	Hungarian
Adisa	-	Western African, Yoruba
Joe	[dʒəu]
Karita	kah-REE-tah	Swedish