out at the heels
The phrase "out at the heels" is an idiomatic expression originating from worn-out shoes, often used metaphorically to describe financial hardship or a state of neglect.
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Definition
C1Financial
(informal)Experiencing financial difficulty or poverty.
Example
- After losing his job, he found himself out at the heels and struggling to make ends meet.
B2General
(informal)In a worn-out or shabby condition.
Example
- His old coat was completely out at the heels, with frayed edges and patches.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "out at the heels":
down at heelon the heels ofon one's last legsheel outout on one's feeton the back footkick one's heelson the ropeson its way outto heelout at elbowon the hoofon the turnout of stepdown and outtrail behindtail between one's legson the way outtoes upget the booton the edgerun behind