down and out

• down-and-out

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

down and out (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) In a condition of poverty or debility, especially as a result of experiencing a financial or personal setback.

   People who are down and out need some place to turn.

   • 1923, Jimmy Cox (lyrics and music), “Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out”:

     So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again, I'm gonna hold on to it 'til them eagles grin
     Nobody knows you, when you down and out
     In my pocket not one penny, and my friends I haven't any

   • 1971, Led Zeppelin (lyrics and music), “Black Dog”:

     Didn't take too long 'fore I found out
     What people mean by down and out

• destitute, down at heel, homeless

• down-and-outer

down and out (plural down and outs)

1. Synonym of down-and-outer.

• down but not out
• homelessness