Grammar fix
make a living
support yourself financially
To earn enough money from work to pay for your basic needs.
collocation
How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She makes a living as a photographer, mostly working at weddings.
My neighbour makes a living repairing phones, and people from several nearby towns go to his shop because he is very reliable.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He makes his life as a driver.
Say: He makes a living as a driver.
The fixed phrase is 'make a living', not 'make your life'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Have enough money to live on
What it stressesYour incomeFamily basics
make a livingYou're here · The usual, everyday way to say how someone earns their money: 'She makes a living as a tutor'. 'Earn a living' means the same and is a touch more formal; 'put food on the table' stresses just getting by for a family.
earn a livingEarning enough through work to support yourself.put food on the tableEarning money to provide basic necessities for your household.