Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To make both ends meet
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "to make both ends meet" is to have just enough money to live.
The other options are incorrect.
- "To try to do two different things at the same time" does not mean to have just enough money to live. Doing two different things at the same time means to be multitasking.
- "To try to bring two parties together" does not mean to have just enough money to live. Bringing two parties together means to try to resolve a conflict between them.
- "To try to solve a problem between friends" does not mean to have just enough money to live. Solving a problem between friends means to try to find a solution that is acceptable to both people.
The idiom "to make both ends meet" comes from the idea of a budget that is stretched to its limits. In the same way, to make both ends meet means to have just enough money to pay for your basic needs, such as food, rent, and transportation. For example, you might say that a family is struggling to make ends meet because the cost of living has gone up.