Worse for wear

Definitions

• physical condition
  To describe someone or something as being in a poor or deteriorated physical state, often due to overuse or neglect

• mental or emotional condition
  To describe someone as being in a poor or deteriorated mental or emotional state, often due to stress or exhaustion

Examples of Worse for wear

• After three straight days of heavy rain, the streets of the city were worse for wear.

  In this example, "worse for wear" is being used to describe the condition of the streets. Due to the prolonged rain, the streets have deteriorated and are in a worse state than they were earlier.

• The laptop that I dropped yesterday is worse for wear.

  In this example, "worse for wear" is being used to describe the condition of the laptop. Due to being dropped, the laptop has become more damaged and worse off than it was earlier.

• After a long and difficult hike, my shoes are worse for wear.

  In this example, "worse for wear" is being used to describe the condition of the shoes. The hike has caused the shoes to become more worn and damaged than they were earlier.

• The old car that my grandfather left behind is worse for wear.

  In this example, "worse for wear" is being used to describe the condition of the car. The car has been left unused for a long time and has become more damaged and worn out than it was earlier.

• After a night of heavy drinking, James stumbled home, worse for wear.

  James' physical condition had deteriorated due to excessive alcohol consumption, making him appear disheveled and unsteady on his feet.

• The car had been in a bad accident, and when it was towed away, it was worse for wear.

  The car's condition had worsened as a result of the accident, causing visible damage and signs of wear and tear.

• The old leather couch in the living room had seen better days. It was worse for wear, with rips and tears in the fabric.

  Over time, the couch had become worn out and damaged, resulting in visible signs of deterioration and a less than desirable appearance.

• After a long day of traveling, the plane touched down at the airport, worse for wear from the turbulence.

  The plane's appearance had been negatively impacted by the rough air turbulence, causing noticeable damage and wear and tear on the exterior of the aircraft.

Conclusion

The idiom "worse for wear" is commonly used to describe the physical, mental, or emotional condition of a person or thing. It is often used to indicate that someone or something is in a poor or deteriorated state due to various factors such as overuse, neglect, stress, or exhaustion.

When used to describe a physical condition, it suggests that something has become worn out or damaged. When used to describe a mental or emotional condition, it implies that someone is not feeling their best and may be struggling with stress or exhaustion.

Overall, the idiom "worse for wear" is a versatile phrase that can be used to convey the idea of something or someone being in a less than optimal state.

Origin of "Worse for wear"

The origin of the idiom "worse for wear" can be traced back to the 19th century. The word "worse" in this context refers to a decline in condition, while "wear" refers to the act of being worn down or damaged through use.

The phrase likely originated in the context of describing the physical condition of objects that had become worn out or damaged over time. Over the years, it has evolved to also encompass the mental and emotional condition of individuals. The idiom is now commonly used in everyday language to convey the idea of something or someone being in a poor or deteriorated state.