Eking out a living is a phrase used to describe the struggle to make enough money to survive. There are various synonyms to this phrase that can be used to depict different degrees of financial struggle and hardship. Such synonyms include scraping by, making ends meet, hustling, scrimping, surviving, living hand-to-mouth, and struggling to survive. These phrases highlight the challenges of making a living under difficult and often unfavorable financial conditions, such as low-paying jobs, lack of opportunities, and economic instability. They also emphasize the determination and perseverance required to endure such hardship and maintain a basic standard of living.