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keep body and soul together

keep body and soul together {v. phr.}

To keep alive; survive.

John was unemployed most of the year and hardly made enough money to keep body and soul together.

Compare: KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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heart and soul

[heart and soul] (2) {adv.} Wholly and eagerly; with all one's interest and strength; completely. * /Will you try to make our city a better place? Then we are with […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

keep the wolf (wolves) from the door

[keep the wolf (wolves) from the door] {v. phr.} To avoid hunger, poverty, and/or creditors. * /"I don't like my job," Mike complained, "but I must do something to keep […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

soul

[soul] See: [HEART AND SOUL], [KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

heart and soul

[heart and soul] (1) {n.} Eager love; strong feeling; great enthusiasm. Often used with a singular verb. * /When Mr. Pitt plays the piano, his heart and soul is in […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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