ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a thin time of it

idiom
Meaning

To be in a difficult or precarious situation due to one not having enough money.


Examples
SIMPLE

They are having a thin time of it lately.

CONTEXTUAL

With the factory closed and no savings left, the family is having a thin time of it this winter.

COMPLEX

Despite his previous success, the artist found himself having a thin time of it as his popularity waned and his meager funds slowly evaporated.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  6. 06

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  7. 07

    borrowed time

    A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

  8. 08

    burn time

    To waste time unnecessarily.

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