When it comes to expressing the concept of “barely making it,” language can be a powerful tool. In this listicle, we’ve gathered the top slang terms that capture that feeling of just scraping by. Whether you’re navigating a tough situation or simply trying to describe a close call, we’ve got you covered with the latest and greatest ways to convey the idea of “barely” in everyday conversation. So sit back, relax, and get ready to upgrade your vocabulary with our curated selection of slang for barely.
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Just scraping by
This phrase is used to describe someone who is just managing to get by with the bare minimum or struggling to make ends meet.
- For example, “After losing his job, he’s just scraping by on unemployment benefits.”
- In a discussion about financial hardships, someone might say, “I’m barely scraping by paycheck to paycheck.”
- A person sharing their life situation might say, “I have three part-time jobs and I’m just scraping by.”
2. Hanging by a thread
This expression is used to convey a precarious or fragile situation where something is barely holding on or about to fall apart.
- For instance, “After the accident, his business was hanging by a thread.”
- In a conversation about a failing relationship, someone might say, “Our marriage is hanging by a thread.”
- A person describing their mental state might say, “I feel like I’m hanging by a thread, trying to hold it all together.”
3. On the brink
This phrase refers to being very close to a particular state or condition, often with a negative connotation.
- For example, “The company was on the brink of bankruptcy before the new CEO took over.”
- In a discussion about a potential disaster, someone might say, “We’re on the brink of a major crisis.”
- A person describing their emotional state might say, “I’m on the brink of tears.”
4. On the cusp
This expression is used to describe being on the verge of a significant change or breakthrough.
- For instance, “She’s on the cusp of a promising career in the music industry.”
- In a conversation about technological advancements, someone might say, “We’re on the cusp of a major breakthrough in artificial intelligence.”
- A person discussing personal growth might say, “I feel like I’m on the cusp of discovering my true passion.”
5. Walking a fine line
This phrase is used to describe someone who is carefully balancing between two opposing or conflicting options or behaviors.
- For example, “He’s walking a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive.”
- In a discussion about ethical dilemmas, someone might say, “Doctors often have to walk a fine line between providing necessary treatment and avoiding harm.”
- A person describing their relationship with their boss might say, “I have to walk a fine line between being friendly and maintaining professional boundaries.”