Down at heel

adjective

Looking poor or badly dressed.

He was a down at heel musician before he found fame.
Visual representation of "down at heel" - Looking poor or badly dressed.

Often appears as...

  • look down at heel
  • become down at heel

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

adjective

In a poor condition because of lack of money or care.

The house looked rather down at heel, with peeling paint and a neglected garden.
Visual representation of "down at heel" - In a poor condition because of lack of money or care.

Often appears as...

  • seem down at heel
  • feel down at heel

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

adjective

Looking poor or badly dressed.

He was a down at heel musician before he found fame.
Visual representation of "down at heel" - Looking poor or badly dressed.

Often appears as...

  • look down at heel
  • become down at heel

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

adjective

In a poor condition because of lack of money or care.

The house looked rather down at heel, with peeling paint and a neglected garden.
Visual representation of "down at heel" - In a poor condition because of lack of money or care.

Often appears as...

  • seem down at heel
  • feel down at heel

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "down at heel"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Personal Appearance

Used when someone's clothing or appearance suggests they have little money.

Illustration for Personal Appearance
His down at heel boots hinted at his financial struggles.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Insulting

While indicating poverty, it is descriptive and not meant as an insult.

Illustration for Not Insulting
Despite his down at heel appearance, he carried himself with dignity.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Judgement

Can imply a fall from better circumstances or neglect of self-care.

Illustration for Subtle Judgement
Once successful, the down at heel artist now wandered the streets.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Personal Appearance

Used when someone's clothing or appearance suggests they have little money.

Illustration for Personal Appearance
His down at heel boots hinted at his financial struggles.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Insulting

While indicating poverty, it is descriptive and not meant as an insult.

Illustration for Not Insulting
Despite his down at heel appearance, he carried himself with dignity.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Judgement

Can imply a fall from better circumstances or neglect of self-care.

Illustration for Subtle Judgement
Once successful, the down at heel artist now wandered the streets.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Personal Appearance

Used when someone's clothing or appearance suggests they have little money.

Illustration for Personal Appearance
His down at heel boots hinted at his financial struggles.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Insulting

While indicating poverty, it is descriptive and not meant as an insult.

Illustration for Not Insulting
Despite his down at heel appearance, he carried himself with dignity.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Judgement

Can imply a fall from better circumstances or neglect of self-care.

Illustration for Subtle Judgement
Once successful, the down at heel artist now wandered the streets.
Visual representation of the word "Down at heel"

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