be on uppers Idiom

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on one's uppers|on|uppers

adj. phr., informal Very poor. Mr. White had been out of work for several months and was on his uppers.
Compare: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK.

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on one's uppers

on one's uppers
Poor, in reduced circumstances, as in as in The Smiths try to hide the fact that they're on their uppers. First recorded in 1886, this metaphoric term alludes to having worn out the soles of one's shoes so badly that only the top portions remain.

on one's uppers

on one's uppers
Poor, in bargain circumstances, as in as in The Smiths try to adumbrate the actuality that they're on their uppers. First recorded in 1886, this allegorical appellation alludes to accepting beat out the soles of one's shoes so abominably that alone the top portions remain.

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on one's uppers|on|uppers

adj. phr., informal Very poor. Mr. White had been out of assignment for several months and was on his uppers.
Compare: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK.

be (down) on (one's) uppers

To accept no money; to be broke. The byword was originally acclimated to call bodies who were so poor that they had beat their shoes down to the uppers (the allotment of the shoe aloft the sole). Primarily heard in UK. I am down on my uppers this week, so can we go out for banquet abutting week, afterwards I get paid?Learn more: on, upper

be on uppers

slang To be on analeptic drugs. My son has been acting absolutely awe-inspiring and says he's been alive for days, so I'm afraid that he's on uppers.Learn more: on, upper

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