scrape by
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Jobs outside of the farm are common in rural areas, and they’ve become increasingly important for farmers needing to scrape by in tough times.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026
"I was able to scrape by a lot easier in years before," said Ms Hunt, who voted for Kamala Harris.
From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025
James was a stalwart patriarch of a working-class family on the Chicago's South Side struggling to scrape by, earning what he could by juggling part-time work.
From Salon • Oct. 1, 2024
The family was never rich, but they were able to scrape by.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024
It didn’t make me as brave as old Daniel, but it always gave me at least a little hope the Lord would let me scrape by.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
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