Meanings
The original saying may have been keep the wolf from the gate, which dates from at least 1470.[1] By the 1500s the saying had become keep the wolf from the door, with the current meaning that it bears: see, for example, the 1645 quotation.
How to pronounce "keep the wolf from the door":
AU
To ward off poverty or hunger.
Example: "They didn't earn much, but it was enough to keep the wolf from the door."
Example: "I'll grab a sandwich to keep the wolf from the door until dinner time."
To delay sexual ejaculation.
Example Sentences
1
Even though he had lost his job, he managed to keep the wolf from the door by taking odd jobs.
2
Her parents sent her money every month to help keep the wolf from the door while she was in college.
3
Working two jobs allowed him to keep the wolf from the door and support his family.
4
They had to live frugally in order to keep the wolf from the door after their business failed.
5
She relied on her savings to keep the wolf from the door during the months she was unemployed.
