Living off the fat of the land

Definitions

• living in luxury or abundance
  Describing someone who is living comfortably and enjoying the best things in life

• taking advantage of resources
  Referring to someone who is making the most of available opportunities or resources

Examples of Living off the fat of the land

• The group of survivalists had been living off the fat of the land for weeks. They hunted deer and other game, and fished the streams for trout.

  The phrase "living off the fat of the land" means relying solely on what is naturally available in one's environment, without relying on external resources. The expression is often used to describe people living in remote areas who subsist completely by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants. In this example, the group of survivalists had abandoned modern amenities and were surviving entirely on the resources of the wilderness.

• After losing his job and his savings, Joe decided to live off the fat of the land until he could get back on his feet. He built a small shelter in the woods and started fishing and hunting.

  This example shows a different type of situation where a person is forced to live in a self-sufficient manner due to financial hardship. However, in this context, "living off the fat of the land" doesn't necessarily imply survival skills or living in a remote area. Instead, it can also refer to a primitive way of life chosen out of necessity or preference.

• In Alaska, some people still live off the fat of the land, following traditional methods of hunting and fishing. They value self-reliance and the simple pleasures of a subsistence lifestyle.

  This example highlights the age-old tradition of subsistence living, still followed by some people in remote areas. When used in this context, "living off the fat of the land" is often associated with a romanticized image of self-sufficiency and connection to nature.

• The group of hikers had to live off the fat of the land after getting lost in the wilderness. They struggled to find food and water, but eventually learned to survive by foraging and hunting.

  This example shows how living off the fat of the land can be a matter of survival in emergency situations. It can refer to a situation where people are forced to adapt to extreme circumstances and rely solely on the resources of the environment to survive. In this context, the expression highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of human beings in the face of adversity.

• The group of survivalists living deep in the forest have been living off the fat of the land for years. They hunt wild game, gather fruits and berries, and forage for edible plants in the forest. They don't rely on any external source of food or supplies.

  The phrase "living off the fat of the land" means to live by making use of the resources that nature provides. It implies self-sufficiency and self-reliance. In this example, the survivalists have become completely dependent on the natural resources available to them in the forest, avoiding the need to travel outside for food or other essentials.

• The new farmer organized a system in which his livestock would feed off the natural vegetation found in the fields instead of relying on expensive feed. This allowed him to lower his operating costs significantly, as he could now live off the fat of the land by utilizing resources that were previously being wasted.

  Here, "living off the fat of the land" is being used in a slightly different context. Instead of directly eating the land as in the previous example, the livestock is being fed with the natural vegetation found in the fields. The farmer is saving money by making use of resources that were previously overlooked, allowing him to "live off the fat of the land" by using what already exists instead of spending extra money on expensive feed.

• The fishing village in Alaska has been living off the fat of the land for generations by catching fish from the Bering Sea. The salmon and halibut are a vital source of protein for the locals, who have adapted their diets and culture to suit the surroundings.

  In this example, "living off the fat of the land" refers to a specific location where resources are abundant. The fishing village in Alaska has made use of the rich fishing grounds in the Bering Sea, which provides them with all the necessary nutrients for survival. The locals have adapted to suit the surroundings, with fishing being central to their culture and way of life.

• The indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest have been living off the fat of the land for centuries by hunting and gathering. They are incredibly self-sufficient as they rely on the forest for everything they need, from food and medicine to shelter and clothing.

  This example illustrates the true meaning of "living off the fat of the land," as the indigenous tribes have been able to successfully live off the forest for centuries without any external assistance. They have adapted to their surroundings and found ways to utilize the resources around them for all their vital needs, showing an incredible level of self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

The idiom "living off the fat of the land" can be used to describe a person who is living in luxury or abundance, enjoying the best things in life. It can also refer to someone who is taking advantage of available opportunities or resources to make the most of their situation.

Origin of "Living off the fat of the land"

The origin of the idiom "living off the fat of the land" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the Book of Genesis. In this context, it is used to describe the abundant and fertile land that God promised to the Israelites. The phrase has since evolved to convey the idea of living in luxury and abundance, enjoying the best that life has to offer.

The idiom gained further popularity through its usage in John Steinbeck's novel, "Of Mice and Men," where it is used to depict the characters' dream of owning a piece of land and living off its abundance. The phrase has since become a common expression in English to describe living comfortably and making the most of available resources.