upper

1
[ uhp-er ]
/ ˈʌp ər /

adjective

noun

Idioms for upper

    on one's uppers, Informal. reduced to poverty; without sufficient means: They are on their uppers but manage to hide the fact from their friends.

Origin of upper

1
1300–50; Middle English; see up (adj.), -er4

British Dictionary definitions for on one's uppers

upper
/ (ˈʌpə) /

adjective

noun

Scientific definitions for on one's uppers

upper
[ ŭpər ]

Being a later or more recent division of the geological or archaeological period named. Compare lower.

Idioms and Phrases with on one's uppers (1 of 2)

on one's uppers

Poor, in reduced circumstances, as in as in The Smiths try to hide the fact that they're on their uppers. First recorded in 1886, this metaphoric term alludes to having worn out the soles of one's shoes so badly that only the top portions remain.

Idioms and Phrases with on one's uppers (2 of 2)

upper