out at elbow

The phrase "out at elbow" is an idiom dating back to the early 1600s, often found in literature, including Shakespeare's works.

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Definition

C1General

(idiom, informal)Describes clothing that is worn out or frayed, especially at the elbows.

Example

  • His jacket was out at elbow, showing years of use.

C1Finance

(idiom, informal)Refers to being in a state of financial need or poverty.

Example

  • After losing his job, he found himself out at elbow, struggling to make ends meet.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "out at elbow":

elbow bumpelbow boneelbow plantarm outout at the heelselbow room