Where might this idiom have possibly come from? Usually I can come up with a "philosophy" for idioms, though they may be completely wrong, but reasonable and mnemonic. But for this one I have just this, which may seem to be far from likely, or reasonable at least:
If the person has a monthly wage, which is paid at the end of each month, and it is enough to make a minimum level of living till the end of the next month, he is able to make ends meet!
What do you think?
One thought is that it meant that the end of the money did not come before the end of the month.
Emmett
I think Rafee's view is reasonable as a mnemonic, without judgment on any actual etymology.
I like Rafee's interpretation too. Makes sense. Likewise Emmett's expansion on that interpretation.
Never researched the etymology on that phrase, but I always assumed it had something to do with making a belt, rope, or chain go all the way around something it needed to go around. In that interpretation, if the ends didn't meet, it would be a failed device or attempt. Now I have to wonder.
Not sure how authoritative this source is, but for yet another interpretation, see: Â http://mmdelrosario.hubpages.com/hub/gird-up-your-loins-and-other-idioms
I like EmmetRedd's thought better.