This phrase is used to indicate that someone is going through a difficult situation or is having a hard time. It's a metaphorical expression comparing a person's situation to a chicken pecking at food, implying that the person is struggling to get by or make ends meet.
Examples
- Spanish: Desde que perdió su trabajo, Juan está comiendo de lo que pica el pollo.
- English: Since he lost his job, Juan has been struggling to make ends meet.