The phrase "making ends meet" refers to the act of managing one's finances and budget in order to cover necessary expenses. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe this concept, such as "budgeting," "financial planning," "managing money," "stretching dollars," and "living within one's means." These synonyms all describe the same idea of being able to make ends meet, but they may emphasize different aspects of the process, such as the need for a strict budget, the importance of prioritizing expenses, or the skill of getting by with limited resources. Ultimately, the key to making ends meet is to have a clear understanding of one's financial situation and to make deliberate and thoughtful decisions about how to allocate resources.