keep the wolf from the door

verb2

1. •
   To ward off poverty or hunger.

   • They didn't earn much, but it was enough to keep the wolf from the door.
   • I'll grab a sandwich to keep the wolf from the door until dinner time.
2. •
   (humorous, euphemistic) To delay sexual ejaculation.

   • Do you mind if I talk? It helps me keep the wolf from the door, so to speak. Jill, what do you think of the pedestrianization of Norwich city centre? — 1997