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Vivir del cuento

To live off others / To get by without doing much

Idioms & Sayings
Notes & Usage:

Literally 'to live off the story'. Describes someone who avoids real work and manages to survive on charm, excuses, or by taking advantage of others.

See It in Context

Lleva años viviendo del cuento, siempre encuentra a alguien que le ayude.

He's been living off others for years, always finding someone to help him.

—¿Trabaja? —No, vive del cuento.

—Does she work? —No, she gets by without doing much.

No puedes vivir del cuento toda la vida.

You can't live off others your whole life.