1
general::
1. Supplement, make last, as in The survivors eked out their food and water until they were rescued. [Late 1500s] 2. Get with great difficulty or effort, as in The soil was terrible but they managed to eke out a living by rotating crops. [Early 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): eke something out
to extend something; to add to something. • He worked at two jobs in order to eke his income out. • He managed to eke out a living.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs