Antonyms for "in the lap of luxury" could include phrases such as "living in poverty," "struggling to make ends meet," or "living paycheck to paycheck." These phrases imply a lack of material wealth or financial security, rather than a life of indulgence and opulence. Other antonyms could be "roughing it," suggesting a lack of comfort or convenience, or "scratching by," implying a constant struggle to get by. In contrast to a life of luxury, these antonyms suggest a life that is more basic and focused on survival rather than excess.