Catch-as-catch-can

I've been hearing this phrase for 20 years even on tv
and haven't got a clue what it means. I think it means your screwed but how it means it I don't know.

PRONUNCIATION: kchz-kch-kn
ADJECTIVE: Using or making do with whatever means are available; irregular: made a catch-as-catch-can living doing odd jobs.
ADVERB: However or by whatever means possible: "Reading was learned catch-as-catch-can, while reindeer farming was learned deeply and thoroughly through the daily rigors of survival" (Bunny McBride )
The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition.

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