Question

Keep Body and Soul Together to keep alive; to have just enough to survive

Accepted Answer

He got a job that paid so little, he was barely able to keep body and soul together. In the early 18th century, people were beginning to use this expression. Those who lose their money and possessions often also lose their self-respect. But if they earn just enough money to clothe, house, and feed themselves, though they may not have a fancy house or expensive things, at least they will always have their body and soul. A related idiom is "keep the wolf from the door" (see page 103).

Idiom	Keep Body and Soul Together
Example	He got a job that paid so little, he was barely able to keep body and soul together.
Meaning	to keep alive; to have just enough to survive
Origin	In the early 18th century, people were beginning to use this expression. Those who lose their money and possessions often also lose their self-respect. But if they earn just enough money to clothe, house, and feed themselves, though they may not have a fancy house or expensive things, at least they will always have their body and soul. A related idiom is "keep the wolf from the door" (see page 103).

Body Soul Lose Money Job Paid Barely Alive