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down and out

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down and out

Destitute or otherwise devoid of any resources. Primarily heard in US. Many of these homeless people have been down and out for years, with no prospects of finding work or permanent shelter.

See also: and, down, out

down and out

Lacking funds or prospects; destitute, penniless. For example, After losing his job, car, and home, he was completely down and out. This term probably originated in boxing, where it alludes to the fighter who is knocked down and stays down for a given time, thereby losing the bout. [c. 1900] Also see down for the count.

See also: and, down, out