keep the wolf from the door
keep the wolves from the door
To avoid hunger, poverty, and/or creditors.
Стараться избегать голода, бедности и/или кредиторов.
"I don't like my job," Mike complained, "but I must do something to keep the wolves from the door."
My grandparents earned barely enough to keep the wolf from the door.
Заработков моих бабушки и дедушки едва хватало, чтобы сводить концы с концами.