Scratch a living refers to earning just enough to survive, without any significant luxuries. There are several synonyms for this phrase, including make ends meet, survive on a shoestring budget, scrape by, and earn a meager living. Other similar phrases include living hand to mouth, living from paycheck to paycheck, and existing on a bare minimum. These phrases all imply a struggle to make enough money to sustain oneself, while also conveying a sense of resilience and determination to persevere in difficult circumstances. In today's challenging economic climate, many people find themselves scratching a living, but with hard work and dedication, it is possible to make that living more comfortable and secure.