A hand-to-mouth existence is a difficult way of living, with little to no financial stability. Synonyms for this phrase include a precarious living, a day-to-day existence, a hard-up situation, or a fragile economy. These phrases all describe situations where individuals are struggling to make ends meet and are barely able to survive. Other synonymous phrases include paycheck-to-paycheck living, living hand-to-mouth, and living from one payday to the next. These terms are used to describe individuals or families who are low-income and are just getting by with minimal resources. They reflect the everyday struggles of people trying to live in an economy that is unforgiving and unkind to those on the lowest income levels.