down on one's luck
In hard times
Experiencing a period of misfortune or hardship, especially financial trouble.
The phrase suggests temporary bad circumstances rather than permanent failure—someone down on their luck has fallen from better times and might recover: He's been down on his luck since the factory closed.
Often used to describe people facing homelessness, unemployment, or other difficulties.
- povertySevere lack of resources
- despairTotal absence of hope
- unemploymentBeing without paid work
- hopelessnessState without hope
- misfortuneAdverse circumstance or event
tough break · sadness · frustration · debt · perseverance · picking up the pieces · resilience · illness · vulnerability · bankruptcy · rough patch · shame · discouragement · rejection · anxiety · loneliness · coping · rebuilding
down on one's lucklucky
Favored by chance
fortunate · prosperous · blessed · thriving · riding high
down on one's lucksuccessful
Having achieved one's aims
going places · flying high · on the up and up · winning · triumphant
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