1. to spend your salary as fast as it’s earned without saving any for the future; to live in poor circumstances

1. He lives a hand-to-mouth existence doing odd jobs around town.

2. Both dropped out of college and essentially lived hand-to-mouth in order to pursue their musical dreams.

3. Low wages mean a hand-to-mouth existence for many people.

4. We can't handle another kid. We're living hand to mouth as it is.