PhrasesHub

Down and out

    Definitions

      • Poor and destitute
        Describing someone who is experiencing financial hardship and struggling to make ends meet

      • Defeated and dejected
        Referring to someone who has suffered a loss or failure, and feels hopeless and without prospects

      • Sick and unable to function
        Describing someone who is physically or mentally unwell and unable to carry out their normal daily activities

    Examples of Down and out

    • After losing his job and getting evicted from his apartment, John felt like he was truly down and out.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who has hit rock bottom and has no resources or support left. It can be applied to a person's financial, emotional, or physical state. In this example, John has lost his job and his home, leaving him with no income or place to live, which has left him feeling completely defeated and hopeless.

    • After a long day at work, Sarah came home feeling down and out.

      In this example, Sarah's physical and emotional state is being described. After a tiring day at work, she may be feeling drained and depleted, leaving her in a state of exhaustion and low spirits.

    • The struggling artist had been down and out for years, but never gave up on his dreams.

      This example highlights the persistence and determination of someone who has faced many challenges and setbacks. Despite being in a state of poverty and hardship, the artist has not given up on his passion for his craft.

    • The athlete was down and out during the first half of the game, but made a remarkable comeback in the second half.

      This example is used to describe a person's performance or situation that seems unfavorable at first, but improves significantly later on. In this case, the athlete was losing badly during the first half of the game, but was able to turn things around in the second half and come out on top.

    • The country is down and out economically, but the people are determined to rebuild and recover.

      This example is used to describe a nation's economic state. Despite being in a state of financial hardship, the people of the country are determined to work together and rebuild their economy. It can also be applied to a community or organization facing similar challenges.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "down and out" is used to describe someone who is experiencing a difficult and challenging time in their life. It can refer to their financial situation, emotional state, or physical health. The common thread among these meanings is a sense of struggle and defeat, with little hope for improvement.

    In its first usage, "down and out" was used to describe someone who was literally down on their luck and out of money. This meaning has evolved to also include someone who is facing financial difficulties or poverty. The idiom can also be used to describe someone who is defeated and dejected, often in a sporting or competitive context. This usage originated from boxing, where a boxer who was knocked to the mat and unable to get up was considered "down and out."

    Finally, "down and out" can also refer to someone who is sick and unable to function. This meaning comes from the idea of being physically knocked down and unable to get back up. It is often used in a sympathetic or empathetic context, to describe someone who is struggling with an illness or injury.

    Origin of "Down and out"

    The origin of the idiom "down and out" can be traced back to the early 1900s in the United States. It is believed to have originated from the sport of boxing, where a boxer who was knocked down and unable to get up was considered "down and out." This literal meaning evolved to also include someone who was facing financial difficulties or poverty, and eventually expanded to encompass a broader range of struggles and challenges.

    The idiom gained popularity during the Great Depression in the 1930s, when many people were facing economic hardship and struggling to make ends meet. It was also popularized in literature and films during this time, further cementing its place in the English language.

    Today, the idiom "down and out" is used in various contexts to describe someone who is facing difficulties and challenges in life. Its origin in boxing serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination needed to overcome these struggles and get back on one's feet.