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on one's uppers
01
in an extremely bad financial condition
Dialect
British
British
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "on one's uppers" and when to use it?
The idiom "on one's uppers" is believed to have originated in England during the late 19th century. This phrase is used to describe someone who is in a state of extreme poverty, experiencing financial hardship, and lacking basic resources.
Examples
After losing his job, he was on his uppers for months.
