The term 'BARELY MANAGE' can be broken down into five crossword solutions: EKE (3 letters), EKES (4 letters), EKED (4 letters), COPE (4 letters), and EKEOUT (6 letters). EKE is a verb meaning to manage with difficulty or to make do with what one has. EKES is the third person singular present tense of the verb, while EKED is the past tense. COPE is another verb meaning to deal effectively with a difficult situation. Finally, EKEOUT is a verb meaning to manage with great difficulty. All of these words refer to the idea of barely managing, or making do with what one has.