down at heel
1
(of shoes) with a heel that is in a bad condition
The idiom "down at heel" originated from the literal condition of a shoe, where the heel is worn out or is in poor condition.
- You have come all this way with that down-at-heel shoe?
- Your shoe looks a little down at heel.I suggest you wear another for today.
2
looking cheap, worn, or filthy
The idiom "down at heel" originated from the literal condition of a shoe, where the heel is worn out or in poor condition. The phrase became popular in the 19th century and was often used to describe someone who had fallen on hard times and was unable to afford new clothes or shoes. Today, the phrase is still used in both British and American English to describe someone who looks scruffy or unkempt.
- He worked in a down-at-heel café.
- She had a decidedly down-at-heel appearance.
- The town has become very down at heel.
- The town today is a shabby, down-at-heel place.
- After losing his job, he appeared down at heel, unable to afford new clothes.