bad off
Without enough money to get by; poor. Primarily heard in US. I've been bad off for the last few months. It's hard to make ends meet these days. After I lost my job, I had to move back in with my parents because I was so bad off. Because our family was bad off when we were kids, none of us take anything for granted.
badly off
Without enough money to get by; poor. She was laid off from her job last year, and she has been quite badly off since then. I've been badly off for the last few months. It's hard to make ends meet these days. Because our family was badly off when we were kids, none of us take anything for granted.
badly off for (something)
Without enough of something that one needs. Primarily heard in UK. I hope you get paid soon, we are badly off for groceries in the house. Because our family was badly off for money when we were kids, none of us take anything for granted. Ever since I lost my job, I've been badly off for the basic necessities. I might have to move back in with my parents.
be badly off
1. To lack enough money to provide basic necessities; to be poor. She was laid off from her job last year, and she has been quite badly off since then. I've been badly off for the last few months. It's hard to make ends meet these days. Because our family was badly off when we were kids, none of us take anything for granted.
2. To be in a difficult or unpleasant situation. We were badly off in our last apartment because the building was constantly under construction. Those two are married, but they're miserable. They're pretty badly off, if you ask me. I used to be badly off, but things are much better these days.
be badly off for (something)
To be without enough of something that is needed. Primarily heard in UK. I hope you get paid soon, we are badly off for groceries in the house. Because our family was badly off for money when we were kids, none of us take anything for granted. Ever since I lost my job, I've been badly off for the basic necessities. I might have to move back in with my parents.
be badly turned out
To be poorly dressed. Please don't be badly turned out when you come to this dinner party—sneakers are completely unacceptable. Mom warned me not to be badly turned out for Thanksgiving dinner, but my brothers were allowed to wear t-shirts and jeans. Not fair! If you're badly turned out at the gala, people will notice.
be well turned out
To be dressed very nicely. She's always well turned out, so I'm sure she'll come to dinner in pearls and high heels. You need to be well turned out up for this event tonight—a suit and tie is appropriate. Why are you well turned out today? Are you going out after work?
come out badly
To result in something negative or unpleasant. I didn't mean to insult her hairdo, but everything I said just came out badly. It's not like we planned on spoiling the surprise for her, our explanation for being at her house just came out badly! I just know I didn't get that job—everything I said in the interview came out badly.
do badly by (someone)
To treat one poorly or disrespectfully. I know I did badly by Colin by not showing up for our study date—I should have at least called him. I've been so absorbed in my job that I've done badly by my wife and kids. If you do badly by my sister, I will hunt you down, twerp—keep that in mind.
go badly with (someone or something)
To be unpleasant or full of challenges. Things are going badly with my sister—she's sick again and her husband just broke his foot. Things must be going badly with this assignment if you still haven't finished it. If the lawyers are still in the conference room, things must be going badly with the negotiations.
go down badly
To be poorly received, as by a group or audience. Yeah, you could say that my performance went down badly—I got booed off the stage. Of course that guy's song went down badly—his guitar was totally out of tune. Why would you go before constituents with nothing but excuses? Obviously, that will go down badly!
go down well
To be well-received, as by a group or audience. Three standing ovations! Wow, your performance really went down well! That new play has really gone down well—it's impossible to get tickets now! Oh, your gift went down well with the kids—they've been playing with it nonstop!
reflect on (someone or something)
To stand as evidence of someone's or something's qualities or merits. The principal seems more concerned that the incident will reflect poorly on the school, as opposed to whether anyone was hurt. Your poise under pressure really reflects on your ability as a leader.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.