PhrasesHub

Down at heel

    Definitions

      • Poor or shabby in appearance
        Describing someone who looks unkempt, disheveled, or disorganized in their appearance

      • In a state of poverty or financial struggle
        Describing someone who is struggling financially and has likely fallen on hard times

    Examples of Down at heel

    • The old shoe store at the corner of Main and Elm looked particularly down at heel after years of neglect.

      The expression "down at heel" is used to describe something that appears shabby, run-down, or neglected. In this example, the store's appearance is particularly depressed and worn-out, thus the expression "down at heel" is appropriate.

    • John's worn out shoes looked decidedly down at heel as he walked into the party.

      The phrase "down at heel" is used to describe something, in this case John's shoes, that is old, worn out, and looking less fashionable or less appealing than usual.

    • The old, dilapidated building on the corner seemed down at heel and in need of some serious repair.

      The idiom "down at heel" is used to describe something old, rundown, and needing repair. This building, in particular, seems very old, worn-out and in need of a lot of work, hence the expression "down at heel."The fourth example might be:

    • The old barber shop on the corner was down at heel, but the barber himself still kept his scissors sharp and his spirit up.

      The old barber shop may seem dull, shabby, and worn-out, with cracks in the wall and peeling paint, but the barber himself still takes care in his work, resulting in a sharp, sterile haircut, making him downright spry and his spirit up. The expression "down at heel" is used to describe something old, rundown, and needing repair while the phrase "spry" describes someone as brisk or lively, with a spring in their step, despite being old.I hope these examples help you to understand the idiom usage better!

    • The once-grand mansion had become down at heel, with peeling wallpaper and broken-down furniture.

      This idiom is often used to describe something or someone that was once elegant or fashionable but has fallen into disrepair. The phrase "down at heel" comes from the old-fashioned term "heeled shoe," which means a shoe that is worn out and on its last legs. By applying the term "down at heel" to a building or person, we are saying that they are in a similar state of disrepair or lack of style.

    • The CEO's wardrobe was looking decidedly down at heel after years of neglect and poor tailoring.

      Here, the phrase is used to describe a person's appearance, specifically their clothing. By describing someone's wardrobe as "down at heel," we are implying that it is outdated, poorly maintained, and lacks style. This can be a way of criticizing someone's sense of fashion, suggesting that they are out-of-touch or uncaring about their appearance.

    • The restaurant had a down at heel vibe, with frayed tablecloths and a lackluster menu.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the overall atmosphere of a place. By describing a restaurant as "down at heel," we are implying that it is run-down, low-key, and lacks the glamour or style that one might expect from a more prestigious establishment. This can be a way of warning others of the restaurant's less-than-stellar reputation, suggesting that they might want to look elsewhere for a more upscale dining experience.

    • The movie theater had become down at heel, with sticky floors and outdated seating.

      In this final example, the idiom is used to describe the state of a specific location within a larger space. By describing the floor of a movie theater as "down at heel," we are implying that it is dirty, worn-out, and lacks the cleanliness or comfort that one might expect from a more highly-regarded theater. This can be a way of criticizing the theater's maintenance or attention to detail, suggesting that patrons may want to consider going elsewhere for a more enjoyable movie-going experience.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "down at heel" is typically used to describe someone's appearance or financial status. It is often used in a negative or judgmental way, implying that the person is not taking care of themselves or is experiencing financial difficulties.

    In terms of appearance, someone who is "down at heel" may have messy hair, wrinkled or dirty clothes, or an overall disheveled appearance. This can be due to a lack of resources or effort to maintain their appearance.

    In terms of finances, someone who is "down at heel" may struggle to make ends meet, live paycheck to paycheck, or even be homeless. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as job loss, health issues, or other financial hardships.

    Origin of "Down at heel"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the practice of wearing shoes with heels. In the past, heels were a sign of wealth and status, as they were more expensive and difficult to make. However, when someone's shoes became worn or damaged, their heels would often become scuffed and worn down, making them appear poor or "down at heel."

    This idiom first appeared in written records in the 17th century, and was primarily used in British English. It has since become a commonly used phrase in both British and American English, with its meaning expanding to include not just the physical appearance of someone's heels, but their overall appearance and financial status as well.