Phrasal verb
live on
Meanings
to have enough money to manage by using a particular source of income
to eat mostly one type of food, especially because little else is available
Definition
To live on something means to use it as your main source of money, food, or support.
When you live on something, it provides what you need to survive or manage day to day. Most often, it means your main income comes from a particular source, such as a salary, savings, or a pension. It can also mean you eat mostly one kind of food because options are limited.
Examples
- I can’t live on this pay in such an expensive city.
- You could live on your savings for a few months if you cut expenses.
- He lives on a small pension and keeps his spending simple.
- She lived on instant noodles during finals week.
- They live on seasonal work and travel when they can.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "live on" (use as a main source) with "live in" (reside in a place).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.