Phrases & SayingsWork, bush and rural life
knock out a living
To earn a living with difficulty; originating in literal goldfields work.
In a sentence
He knocked out a living on the diggings without ever striking it rich.
Where it came from
Figurative extension of physically knocking material out at the diggings to earning a livelihood with effort. Australian National Dictionary Centre goldfields overview confirms the recorded sense and Australian historical context.
- Initial era
- 1850–1899
- Where used
- Australian use; no narrower regional pattern established
- Use today
- Historical origin; later currency requires checking