What does “Down and out” mean?
"Down and out" means being in a state of having no money or resources.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After losing his job, he was down and out and had to rely on friends for support.
Example
The down and out family struggled to find a place to live.
Example
She hit rock bottom and found herself down and out with nowhere to turn
Is “Down and out” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Down and out” 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 “Down and out” effectively in context?
You can use "Down and Out" to describe someone who is in a state of extreme poverty or has no money or resources. It emphasizes their difficult circumstances and lack of support. For example, if you see a homeless person on the street, you might say, 'He's "down and out", living on the streets with no one to help him.'
- 1Financial Hardship
After losing his job, he was down and out and had to rely on friends for support.
- 2Housing Struggles
The down and out family struggled to find a place to live.
- 3Rock Bottom
She hit rock bottom and found herself down and out with nowhere to turn.
Similar phrases to “Down and out”:
Having no money or resources
Example
After losing his job, he was broke and had to rely on friends for support.
Having no money or resources
Example
The penniless family struggled to find a place to live.
Without the basic necessities of life
Example
She hit rock bottom and found herself destitute with nowhere to turn.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Down and out” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Down and Out" can be traced back to the early 20th century. It was first used to describe someone who was destitute or in a state of extreme poverty. The phrase gained popularity through the works of writer George Orwell, who wrote a book called 'Down and Out in Paris and London' in 1933. Since then, it has become a commonly used idiom to describe someone who is financially or socially disadvantaged.
Is “Down and out” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Down and Out" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is in a state of extreme poverty or facing significant challenges in life.
What tone does “Down and out” have?
"Down and Out" conveys a tone of sympathy and empathy. It is used to describe someone who is in a difficult situation and may evoke feelings of compassion or concern.
Can “Down and out” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "down and out" is informal and is commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for more formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After losing his job, he was "down and out" and had to rely on friends for support.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's "down and out".' to imply someone's financial struggles.
