down on one’s uppers: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘down on one's uppers’ mean?
The idiom "down on one's uppers" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "land poor" means to be wealthy in terms of owning land, but lacking the necessary funds or resources to maintain or develop it, resulting in financial difficulty.
The idiom "land on one's feet" means to recover or be successful after a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests being able to adapt and find a positive outcome despite the circumstances.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom "in the money" means to be in a financially successful or prosperous situation.
The idiom "in one's cups" refers to being drunk or intoxicated. It implies that someone has consumed so much alcohol that they are influenced or affected by it. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is behaving differently or experiencing the effects of excessive drinking.
The idiom "in a state" means to be in a state of distress, anxiety or confusion.
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.
The idiom "hang low" means to appear sad or dejected, often with drooping body posture or a downcast expression.
Curious Financial Struggles
The idiom 'down on one's luck' is closely related to the phrase 'down on one's uppers.' Both idioms describe a state of misfortune or bad luck. 'Down on one's luck' specifically refers to a period of time when everything seems to be going wrong and nothing is going right. It implies not just a financial struggle, but also a general sense of failure or disappointment. When someone is 'down on their luck,' it means they are experiencing a streak of bad fortune or unfavorable circumstances.
The expression 'down and out' is another idiom that shares similarities with 'down on one's uppers.' It refers to a person who is in a state of absolute destitution and has hit rock bottom. The phrase conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair, suggesting that the individual has lost all social standing or support and is completely without resources or means to improve their situation.
These related idioms provide further context and depth to the concept of being 'down on one's uppers.' They help to paint a more nuanced picture of individuals experiencing extreme hardship and emphasize the severity of their circumstances. These idiomatic expressions serve as powerful tools for conveying the challenges and struggles faced by those who are at their lowest point.
The phrase 'down on one's uppers' captures the despair and vulnerability of individuals who are in a state of severe poverty or financial distress. It draws attention to the stark contrast between the aspirations or expectations of being in a better position and the harsh reality of their current situation. The idiom serves as a reminder of the fragility of financial security and the potential for anyone to experience hardship.
When we encounter someone who is 'down on their uppers,' it is important to approach them with empathy and understanding. Rather than judgment or scorn, we should extend a helping hand and offer support. These idioms remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of compassion in times of difficulty. They prompt us to consider the struggles of those less fortunate and inspire us to take action to create a more equitable society.
The idiom 'down on one's luck' adds another layer of meaning to the concept of being 'down on one's uppers.' It highlights the element of unfortunate circumstances and emphasizes the temporary nature of the hardship. Someone who is 'down on their luck' may have experienced a string of unfortunate events or a series of setbacks that have led to their current situation.
Similarly, the phrase 'down and out' conveys a sense of hopelessness and desperation that goes beyond just financial struggle. It suggests that the individual has lost all hope and is facing a complete lack of social support or resources. The idiom 'down and out' underscores the severity of the individual's predicament and further demonstrates the dire circumstances associated with being 'down on one's uppers.'
These related idioms serve to deepen our understanding of the idiom 'down on one's uppers' and provide a broader context for discussing extreme poverty and financial distress. They illustrate the range of emotions and experiences that can be associated with such challenging circumstances and help us to connect on a more human level with those who are facing these hardships.
Overall, the idiom 'down on one's uppers' captures the essence of extreme poverty and financial hardship. It conveys the desperation and vulnerability of individuals in these circumstances and serves as a reminder of the fragility of financial security. By incorporating related idioms such as 'down on one's luck' and 'down and out,' we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who are at their lowest point. These idioms prompt us to extend empathy and support to those in need and inspire us to take action to create a more equitable society.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "down on one's uppers" can be used in a sentence are:
- After losing his job, John found himself down on his uppers, struggling to make ends meet.
- Emma's business failed, and she was down on her uppers, relying on public assistance to get by.
- Despite his previous success, James ended up down on his uppers due to poor financial decisions.
More "Financial" idioms
