What does “A day late and a dollar short” mean?
"A day late and a dollar short" means being too late and not having enough resources or preparation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I forgot to submit my assignment and now I'm a day late and a dollar short.
Example
He always arrives a day late and a dollar short to the meetings.
Example
She tried to buy the concert tickets, but they were sold out. She's always a day late and a dollar short
Is “A day late and a dollar short” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A day late and a dollar short” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A day late and a dollar short” effectively in context?
You can use "A day late and a dollar short" to describe a situation where someone is too late and lacks the necessary resources or preparation. It emphasizes the feeling of being behind or missing out on something. For example, if a friend misses a job opportunity because they didn't submit their application on time, you might say, 'Looks like you're a day late and a dollar short.'
- 1Missed Opportunity
He forgot to submit his assignment and now he's a day late and a dollar short.
- 2Punctuality
He always arrives a day late and a dollar short to the meetings.
- 3Lack of Preparation
She tried to buy the concert tickets, but they were sold out. She's always a day late and a dollar short.
Similar phrases to “A day late and a dollar short”:
Playing catch-up
To try to reach the same level or position as others after falling behind
Example
After missing a week of classes, she had to play catch-up with the coursework.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A day late and a dollar short” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A day late and a dollar short" is unknown.
Is “A day late and a dollar short” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A day late and a dollar short" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express frustration or disappointment when someone misses an opportunity or is unprepared for a situation.
What tone does “A day late and a dollar short” have?
"A day late and a dollar short" conveys a tone of regret and frustration. It implies a sense of being behind or lacking in some way.
Can “A day late and a dollar short” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "A day late and a dollar short" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being late or unprepared. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He missed the train again, always a day late and a dollar short.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm always "a day late and a dollar short"!' to express a general feeling of being behind or unprepared.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- late to the party
- missed the boat
- left in the dust
- not up to speed
- unprepared and tardy
Antonyms
- ahead of the game
- in the know
- prepared and punctual
- on top of things
- timely and well-equipped
