Down-at-the-heels definitions
| Word backwards | sleeh-eht-ta-nwod |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Adjective |
| Syllabic division | down-at-the-heels: down-at-the-heels |
| Plural | The plural form of down-at-the-heels is down-at-the-heels. |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (3) | o,a,e |
| Consonants (7) | d,w,n,t,h,l,s |
When someone is described as "down-at-the-heels," it typically means that they are shabby, run-down, or in poor condition. This phrase is often used to describe a person's physical appearance or the state of their belongings.
Origin of the Term
The phrase "down-at-the-heels" originated from the imagery of worn-out shoes with the heels worn down from excessive use. This imagery has since been extended to describe anything that appears worn or in disrepair.
Common Usage
People may use the term "down-at-the-heels" to describe someone who looks unkempt or impoverished. It can also be used to describe objects or places that are in a state of decline or neglect.
Signs of Being Down-at-the-Heels
Signs that someone or something is down-at-the-heels may include tattered clothing, scuffed shoes, unkempt hair, and a general lack of upkeep or maintenance. Buildings or neighborhoods that are run-down and in disrepair can also be described as down-at-the-heels.
Being down-at-the-heels can be a temporary state due to circumstances like financial hardship or neglect, or it can be a more chronic condition resulting from personal choices or lack of resources.
While being down-at-the-heels is often associated with a lack of wealth or social standing, it's essential to remember that appearances can be deceiving, and everyone deserves respect and compassion regardless of their outward appearance.
Down-at-the-heels Examples
- After losing his job, the once well-dressed businessman became down-at-the-heels.
- The old house looked down-at-the-heels with its peeling paint and overgrown garden.
- She felt embarrassed about her down-at-the-heels appearance at the upscale event.
- The actor played the role of a down-at-the-heels musician struggling to make ends meet.
- Despite his down-at-the-heels demeanor, he always had a positive attitude.
- The down-at-the-heels neighborhood had fallen into disrepair over the years.
- The down-at-the-heels bar had a certain charm that drew in a loyal crowd.
- The down-at-the-heels car had seen better days, but it still managed to get them where they needed to go.
- She couldn't help but feel sorry for the down-at-the-heels stray dog roaming the streets.
- The orphanage was filled with down-at-the-heels children in need of love and care.