out at elbows; hard pressed; unable to make ends meet
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesidiom
to be out at the elbows; to wear ragged clothes
neutralLiteral sense describing tattered clothing that fails to cover the body properly.
He was down and out, dressed in rags that were out at the elbows, looking thoroughly wretched.
This old coat has been worn for over a decade and is already threadbare and out at the elbows.
idiom
to be hard pressed; to have too many difficulties to cope with; to be out at elbows
neutralFigurative sense describing financial strain, resource shortages, or being overwhelmed by multiple demands. Often used for budget constraints, understaffing, or logistical difficulties.
The company has been short of funds recently and is hard pressed on all fronts, making it difficult to expand operations.
We are severely understaffed and are truly hard pressed to deal with so many projects.
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Under the pandemic, many small restaurants were financially out at elbows and had to close down.
Handling so many tasks simultaneously, I feel hard pressed and run off my feet.