live within/beyond one's means
1 of 2phrase (1)
: to be unable to afford the things that one buys or the way one lives
live within one's means
2 of 2phrase (2)
: to spend money only on what one can afford
He began to save money when he finally learned to live within his means.
Cite this Entry
“Live within/beyond one's means.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live%20within%2Fbeyond%20one%27s%20means. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
