down at heel

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

shabby, worn, or neglected in appearance, often because of poverty

Word picture

A worn-down heel is pictured as reflecting the neglected condition of the whole person or place.

Example

“The once-elegant hotel looked down at heel after years without repairs.”

Dictionary details

Component words

down heel

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

down and out Neutral · CEFR B2

in severe hardship, especially without money, resources, or prospects

double down Neutral · CEFR B2

to increase your commitment to a position or strategy, especially after mixed results

down in the dumps Neutral · CEFR B2

feeling sad, discouraged, or low in spirits

down round Neutral · CEFR C1

a funding round in which a company raises money at a lower valuation than the previous round

live it up Informal · CEFR B1

to celebrate or indulge freely, usually by spending more than usual

fun and games Neutral · CEFR B2

Enjoyable, lighthearted activity, often mentioned in contrast with a situation's serious or difficult side.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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