down on (one's) uppers



down on (one's) uppers

Having no money; broke. The phrase was originally used to describe people who were so poor that they had worn their shoes down to the uppers (the part of the shoe above the sole). I am down on my uppers this week, so can we go out for drinks next week, after I get paid?
See also: down, on, upper

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Liv (2)LIVEnglish
Roan-Frisian
Victoria[vik'tɔ:riə]
ServiusSER-wi-uwsAncient Roman
Toussaint-French
Kaitokah-ee-toJapanese