# put food on the table

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-food-on-the-table
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To provide enough money to cover basic necessities.

## Examples

- He works two jobs to put food on the table.
- Even though the work is difficult and tiring, she stays because it helps her put food on the table for her children.
- Despite the economic downturn and the scarcity of local opportunities, he labored tirelessly in the fields to put food on the table for his growing family.

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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.