food found by animals in the wild; ill-gotten gains; side income
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
food found by animals in the wild or outdoors
Refers to food that birds and beasts scavenge or forage for themselves in nature, as opposed to food provided by humans or domestic feed.
The birds are looking for food in the woods.
This fox goes out to scavenge for food every day.
noun
ill-gotten gains; extra income beyond one's proper due; perks obtained on the side
informalMetaphorical extension of the first sense. Refers to money or benefits obtained outside one's main job or proper duties, often implying opportunistic income. Used in informal contexts, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation of greed, though not necessarily referring to illegal activities.
Besides his salary, he has quite a bit of extra income on the side.
It's not bad to earn some extra cash from a part-time job.
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It's better not to take this kind of ill-gotten gain, so as to avoid trouble.