down at the heel

down-at-the-heel

Having a worn-out, shabby, or cheap appearance, as due to poverty or overuse. A lot of so-called hipsters try to affect a down-at-the-heel look by wearing second-hand clothing. John has been looking increasingly down-at-the-heel ever since he lost his job last year. Judging by the down-at-the-heel office space they're renting, I doubt the company is doing well.

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

down at the heel

/heels

1. With the heel worn down. Used of shoes.

2. Shabby or poor in appearance.

See also: down, heel

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.