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Worse for wear

Worse for wear

Meaning

Either 1. Shabby and worn out, or 2. Drunk.

Examples

1. This winter coat is a few years old now and is starting to look a bit worse for wear. 2. I know it’s Jack’s leaving do and he wants to stay until the end but, after all those tequia slammers, he’s begining to look a little worse for wear.

Where did it originate?

1. Britain, 16th century. 2. Britain 20th century.

Where is it used?

Both forms used Worldwide, although 2 is more common in Britain than elsewhere.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Worse for wear

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