Down and out/ boxing

Posted by Shae on March 25, 2005

In Reply to: Down and out/ boxing posted by SR on March 24, 2005

: : Hi,

: : what does it mean to be "down and out" I have a vague idea but am unsure.

: : MaRk gE

: I'm not sure here, but my guess is that the term comes from a boxing match when a fighter is knocked "down" by an opponent and counted "out" by the referee thus ending the match. SR

You may be right about the origin, SR. A 'Down and out' is a 'loser.' The term describes a person who is in difficult circumstances, who depends on social welfare for support, and sometimes has to resort to begging.