out at the elbows
out at the elbows
1. Wearing shabby, worn out clothing (indicative of being poor). I think it's time to buy you some new clothes—you're out at the elbows!
2. Poor; not having much or enough money. I was out at the elbows for several years after college, just making enough money to pay for my rent and a couple of meals a day.
See also: elbow, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
out at the elbows
Also, out at the heels or knees . Wearing clothes that are worn out or torn; poor. For example, When we last saw Phil he was out at the elbows. These expressions, dating from the late 1500s and early 1600s, can refer to clothes worn through at these points as well as to a person too poor to replace them.
See also: elbow, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
out at elbows
wearing shabby or ragged clothing. datedSee also: elbow, out
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
out at the elbows
1. Poorly dressed.
2. Lacking money.
See also: elbow, out
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- out at elbows
- out at the heel(s)
- out at the knees
- down at the heels
- down-at-the-heels
- grubbies
- grubby
- down-at-heels
- down-at-the-heel
- down at the heel