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UKon one's uppers
/ˌɒn wˈɒnz ˈʌpəz/
/ˌɑːn wˈʌnz ˈʌpɚz/on one's uppers
[PHRASE]
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
1. The elderly woman, abandoned by her family, was on her uppers and had to rely on charity for survival.
2. After losing his job and facing mounting debts, he found himself on his uppers, struggling to make ends meet.
3. The novel's protagonist, down on his luck, was on his uppers, wandering the streets without a place to call home.
4. The recent economic downturn left many families on their uppers, unable to afford even the most basic necessities.
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