Keep the wolf from the door
Meaning
To earn just enough money to avoid extreme poverty, hunger, or destitution.
Origin
For centuries across Europe, the wolf was more than just a wild animal; it was a symbol of danger, hunger, and ruin. These cunning predators didn't just prey on livestock, decimating a family's livelihood; they were also a very real threat to humans, especially in isolated rural areas, bringing the specter of starvation and death directly to one's home. To "keep the wolf from the door" was therefore a literal and vital struggle for survival, a constant battle against the forces of nature that could bring utter destitution. This vivid image of fending off a physical threat to one's household evolved into a powerful metaphor for avoiding poverty, capturing the ancient fear of economic ruin as a lurking beast at the threshold.
Examples
- After losing her job, Maria worked tirelessly at two part-time positions just to keep the wolf from the door.
- The small farm provided enough produce to keep the wolf from the door, but little else for luxuries.