down-and-outer: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘down-and-outer’ mean?
The idiom *down-and-outer* refers to a person who has hit rock bottom and is in a state of extreme poverty or despair.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "rock bottom" refers to the lowest possible point or level of something. It is often used to describe a situation or a person's life when they have hit a point of extreme difficulty or failure.
The idiom "in the hole" means to be in debt or in a difficult financial situation. It is often used to describe a person or a company that owes money and is struggling to repay it.
An idiom used to describe someone who is in an emotional or mental state of extreme agitation, distress, or confusion.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
"High and dry" is an idiom that means to be left in a difficult or helpless situation, especially without any assistance or support.
The idiom "hand to mouth" means living in poverty or a state of financial insecurity, where one is barely able to meet their basic needs.
The idiom "go to the wall" means to face defeat or failure, often in a financial or competitive context.
The idiom "go down the toilet" means to fail completely or be wasted, often used to describe a situation, plan, or investment that has gone wrong or lost its value.
The idiom "go down the pan" means to fail or deteriorate significantly.
The idiom "down the toilet" means that something has been wasted or lost in a negative or unsuccessful way.
Hidden Meaning
The idiom "down and out" is closely related to the expression "down-and-outer." While "down-and-outer" refers to an individual in a state of extreme poverty and despair, "down and out" has a broader meaning, encompassing anyone who is in a state of complete destitution or has hit rock bottom in various aspects of life.
The idiom "rock bottom" is another term associated with the concept of a "down-and-outer." It metaphorically refers to the lowest point a person can reach in their life, usually in terms of emotional or financial well-being. When someone hits rock bottom, they have exhausted all possibilities and have nowhere to go but up.
Similarly, the idiom "bottom out" is also applicable when discussing a "down-and-outer." It conveys the idea of hitting the lowest point and can refer to both material and emotional aspects of a person's life. When one bottoms out, they have reached a state of complete depletion and are in dire need of assistance or support to recover.
The connection between these idioms and the term "down-and-outer" lies in their shared portrayal of individuals who are facing extreme hardships and have reached a point of vulnerability and desperation. Whether it is being down and out, hitting rock bottom, or bottoming out, these expressions highlight the depths of despair and the need for understanding and compassion.
It is important to remember that these idioms are not mere linguistic constructs; they reflect real-life struggles experienced by many individuals. The use of these expressions in conversations, literature, and media serves as a reminder of the challenges people face and the need for support and empathy.
The idiom "down-and-outer" encompasses the idea of a person who is in a state of extreme poverty, destitution, or despair. It is closely related to idioms such as "down and out," "rock bottom," and "bottom out," which all describe the lowest point a person can reach in their life, whether financially or emotionally. These idioms capture the depth of human suffering and highlight the importance of empathy and collective efforts to uplift those who have fallen through the cracks of society.
Example usage
A down-and-outer is a person who is in a very difficult and desperate situation, often socially and economically.
Here are three examples of how the idiom "down-and-outer" can be used in sentences:
1. After losing his job and his home, John found himself living on the streets, a true down-and-outer.
2. Despite his best efforts, Mark could never seem to break out of his down-and-outer status and improve his life.
3. The novel tells a powerful story of a down-and-outer who manages to turn his life around against all odds.
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