The term 'EKE OUT A LIVING' is an idiom that means to make a meager living, usually by doing odd jobs or working multiple jobs. The term can be broken down into four parts: 'EKE' (3 letters), 'EKES' (4 letters), 'EKING' (5 letters), and 'EKED' (4 letters). 'EKE' is a verb meaning to manage with difficulty, while 'EKES' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb. 'EKING' is the present participle of the verb, and 'EKED' is the past tense. Together, these words form the phrase 'EKE OUT A LIVING, ' which describes the act of making a living with difficulty.