"Is down and out" is an idiomatic expression that is often used to describe a person who is in a state of extreme deprivation, despair, or destitution. When someone is "down and out," it means they are experiencing significant hardships or challenges that leave them feeling defeated, physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or financially ruined.
This phrase typically implies that the individual is struggling to improve their situation or find a way out of their predicament. It can refer to someone who has lost their job, gone bankrupt, or is facing a multitude of problems simultaneously.
The phrase originated from the idea of a boxer who has been knocked down and is unable to continue the fight, as in the sport of boxing, the referee may count to ten, and if the boxer fails to rise, they are declared "down and out." This connection emphasizes the notion of being defeated or unable to recover from a difficult situation.
"Is down and out" can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is in a state of failure, decline, or complete exhaustion. For instance, it can refer to a failing business, a dilapidated building, or a broken machine.
Overall, "is down and out" refers to a person or thing that is experiencing great adversity and is struggling to recover or find a way forward.
