live by/on your wits

live by/on (one's) wits

To survive or make a living through one's intellect and resourcefulness. When I lost everything, I had to live by my wits, and it made me a stronger, more savvy person.

See also: live, on, wit

live by your wits

earn money by clever and sometimes dishonest means, having no regular occupation.

See also: live, wit

live by/on your ˈwits

earn money by clever or sometimes dishonest means: Patrick did not go to college, as expected, but learned to live very successfully on his wits.

See also: live, on, wit