Lose your shirt: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Lose your shirt” mean?

"Lose your shirt" means to experience a significant financial loss, resulting in the loss of all of your money or possessions.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He invested all his savings in that business and ended up losing his shirt.

Example

After gambling at the casino, he lost his shirt and had to borrow money from his friends.

Example

She took a risky investment and lost her shirt when the company went bankrupt

Is “Lose your shirt” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Lose your shirt” 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 “Lose your shirt” effectively in context?

You can use "Lose your shirt" to describe a situation where someone loses all of their money or possessions. It emphasizes a significant loss and can be used in various contexts. For example, if a friend tells you about a failed investment, you might say, 'Oh no, he really lost his shirt on that one.'

• 1. Investments

  He invested all his savings in that business and ended up losing his shirt.

• 2. Gambling

  After gambling at the casino, he lost his shirt and had to borrow money from his friends.

• 3. Business Failure

  She took a risky investment and lost her shirt when the company went bankrupt.

Similar phrases to “Lose your shirt”:

Go broke

To become completely without money

Example

After his failed business venture, he went broke.

Hit rock bottom

To reach the lowest point, often financially

Example

After losing his job and his house, he hit rock bottom.

Bankrupt

To be unable to pay debts and have assets taken over by a court

Example

The company filed for bankruptcy after years of financial struggles.

Wipe out

To completely destroy or eliminate, often referring to finances

Example

The stock market crash wiped out many investors' savings.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Lose your shirt” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Lose your shirt" is unknown.

Is “Lose your shirt” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Lose your shirt" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe significant financial losses or failures.

What tone does “Lose your shirt” have?

"Lose your shirt" conveys a tone of regret and sympathy. It is used to express empathy towards someone who has experienced a major financial setback.

Can “Lose your shirt” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Lose your shirt" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a significant loss of money or possessions. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business discussions or presentations.

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 took a big risk and ended up losing his shirt.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really "lost his shirt"!' to imply a significant loss.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• lose everything
• be cleaned out
• be left with nothing
• suffer a major financial loss
• face financial ruin

Antonyms

• make a fortune
• profit greatly
• come out ahead
• be financially successful
• win big