On your uppers

usgb
phrase

Having no money, being in a poor financial situation.

After he lost his job, he was on his uppers for a long time.
Visual representation of "on your uppers" - Having no money, being in a poor financial situation

Often appears as...

  • be on your uppers
  • fall on your uppers

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on your uppers"
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British Origin

The phrase is mainly used in the UK, so it may not be well understood elsewhere.

Illustration for British Origin
When I moved to America, nobody understood when I said I was on my uppers.
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Figurative Use

'On your uppers' is a metaphor related to worn-out shoe soles, meaning you've hit a low point.

Illustration for Figurative Use
Without a penny to his name, he was truly on his uppers.
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Informal Context

The expression is casual and typically used in informal conversations or writing.

Illustration for Informal Context
I can't join you for dinner, I'm on my uppers until payday.
Visual representation of the word "On your uppers"

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