make both ends meet

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

[b]make ([color=red]both) ends meet
to earn and spend equal amounts of money. (Usually in reference to a meager living with little if any money after basic expenses.)

  • I have to work at two jobs to make ends meet.
  • Through better budgeting, I am learning to make both ends meet.[/b]

Do you leave out [color=red]both?

2

It occurs more commonly without “both,” so I’d probably omit it. Either is fine, though.

3

Thank you, Mordant.