# have a thin time of it

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-thin-time-of-it
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- They are having a thin time of it lately.
- With the factory closed and no savings left, the family is having a thin time of it this winter.
- Despite his previous success, the artist found himself having a thin time of it as his popularity waned and his meager funds slowly evaporated.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.