Keep the wolf from the door

Meaning

The idiom "keep the wolf from the door" means to make sure that you have enough money or resources to prevent a problem from arising, such as financial difficulties or hunger. It can also mean to avoid danger or risk.

Usage

• I always try to keep the wolf from the door by saving as much money as possible.
• My boss told me to keep the wolf from the door and make sure we meet our sales target this month.
• She was worried about keeping the wolf from the door when she lost her job.
• We need to keep the wolf from the door by not overspending on the project budget.
• The government is trying to keep the wolf from the door by implementing new economic policies.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of hunting wolves, where hunters would need to keep them away from their homes or food sources. Another theory suggests that it comes from the medieval belief that wolves could knock on doors and ask for food. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has expanded beyond just financial difficulties and now includes any situation where you want to avoid danger or risk.

Synonyms in English

• Keep a rainy day fund
• Avoid hard times
• Stay ahead of the game
• Keep an emergency kit
• Stay one step ahead

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Mettre des ressources en réserve (meaning "put some reserves aside")
• German: Auf die Dornen hinausdenken (meaning "think past the thorns")
• Spanish: Tener algún poco en reserva (meaning "have a little in reserve")
• Italian: Avere un po' di riserve (meaning "have a little bit of reserves")
• Japanese: 安らいの上である (meaning "be above the danger zone")

Similar Idioms

• have no business

• in a clover

• keep your nose clean