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dirt poor
01
affected by poverty to an extreme degree
Dialect
American
American
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "dirt poor" and when to use it?
The idiom "dirt poor" has its origin in the late 19th or early 20th century. The term "dirt" here is used figuratively to denote extreme poverty, suggesting that someone is as poor as the soil or dirt itself. This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely impoverished, lacking basic necessities, and living in dire financial conditions.
Examples
After losing his job and savings, he became dirt poor and had to rely on charity for survival.
Despite having a full-time job, they were dirt poor, barely making ends meet due to high living costs.
