What does “Down at heel” mean?
"Down at heel" means that someone is wearing worn-out or shabby clothing.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He walked into the room, down at heel and looking exhausted.
Example
The homeless man was down at heel, with holes in his shoes and tattered clothes.
Example
She didn't have much money, so she often dressed down at heel
Is “Down at heel” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Down at heel” 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 at heel” effectively in context?
You can use "Down at heel" to describe someone who is wearing worn-out or shabby clothing. It implies that the person's appearance is unkempt or neglected. For example, if you see someone with holes in their shoes and tattered clothes, you might say, 'He looks down at heel.'
- 1Appearance
She walked into the party, down at heel and looking disheveled.
- 2Poverty
The family was struggling financially, and their children often went to school down at heel.
- 3Neglect
The old house had been abandoned for years and was down at heel with broken windows and overgrown weeds.
Similar phrases to “Down at heel”:
Worn-out or shabby, especially referring to fabric or clothing
Example
The old blanket was threadbare, with holes and frayed edges.
Worn-out or shabby, especially referring to clothing or appearance
Example
The child was wearing raggedy clothes, with patches and tears.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Down at heel” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Down at heel" is unknown.
Is “Down at heel” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Down at heel" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other idioms. However, it can still be used to describe someone's appearance or the condition of something that is worn-out or neglected.
What tone does “Down at heel” have?
"Down at heel" conveys a tone of disapproval or pity. It suggests that the person's appearance or the condition of something is not desirable or well-maintained.
Can “Down at heel” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Down at heel" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends or family members. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to describe the appearance or condition of something.
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, 'He walked into the room, looking "down at heel" and exhausted.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She always dresses "down at heel".' to imply her habit of wearing shabby clothing.
