The phrase "lives in the gutter" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a person who is leading an extremely impoverished, disreputable, or morally degenerate life. It conveys the idea that the individual's circumstances or behavior are so low or degrading that they metaphorically reside in the metaphorical gutter, which is commonly associated with dirtiness, neglect, or societal rejection.
A person living in the gutter often refers to someone who faces severe financial hardships, lacking suitable living conditions or basic necessities. It can also imply that the individual engages in illicit or immoral activities, such as substance abuse, criminal behaviors, or association with disreputable companions.
The term "gutter" itself has connotations of being physically and socially marginalized, disconnected from mainstream society and its values. It is a metaphorical representation of the lowest levels of society, usually perceived as the opposite of success and prosperity.
The expression "lives in the gutter" figuratively encapsulates desolation, hopelessness, and a lack of social standing, highlighting the person's perceived lack of respectability or societal worth. It implies that the person is unable or unwilling to improve their circumstances, remaining trapped in a cycle of destitution, squalor, or moral degradation.
Overall, the phrase "lives in the gutter" portrays an individual who is experiencing severe hardships, social exclusion, or moral decline, representing the lowest rungs of human existence.
