“Fall on hard times” is an idiomatic expression that means to experience a period of financial difficulty or adversity. It refers to a situation where someone’s financial circumstances deteriorate, often due to factors beyond their control, such as job loss, economic downturn, or unexpected expenses. When someone falls on hard times, they face challenges in meeting their financial obligations and may struggle to maintain their previous standard of living.
Clarification and Examples:
- After losing his job and facing medical bills, John fell on hard times and had to rely on support from family and friends.
- The company’s profits declined, and they had to lay off several employees, causing them to fall on hard times.
- Sheila’s divorce settlement left her with significant debt, and she fell on hard times as she worked to rebuild her financial stability.
- The family’s business went bankrupt, and they fell on hard times, having to sell their home and downsize their lifestyle.
- Mark’s gambling addiction caused him to fall on hard times, leading to mounting debt and strained relationships.
- During the recession, many families fell on hard times and struggled to make ends meet.
- Sarah’s unexpected medical expenses drained her savings, and she fell on hard times, relying on community resources to get by.
- The artist’s sales declined, and he fell on hard times, resorting to taking on odd jobs to supplement his income.
- Jack’s investment portfolio took a significant hit during the economic downturn, and he fell on hard times as his net worth plummeted.
- Jane’s company downsized, and she fell on hard times, having to adjust to a lower salary and reduced benefits.
Synonyms:
- Experience financial hardship, face adversity, go through tough times, hit rock bottom, be in dire straits, suffer economic downturn, be in a financial crisis, be in a pinch, be down and out, be in a slump
Antonyms:
- Prosper, thrive, flourish, be well-off, be financially stable
Related words:
- Financial difficulty, adversity, financial crisis, bankruptcy, insolvency, poverty, economic downturn, struggle, hardship
Phrasal Verbs:
- Fall on hard times (the original phrase)
- Go through a rough patch
- Hit a rough spot
- Run into financial trouble
- Be in a financial bind
Idioms:
- Down on one’s luck
- In dire straits
- On the breadline
- Living hand to mouth
- Tighten one’s belt
Conclusion: This article provides a clear explanation of the idiomatic expression “fall on hard times,” which describes a period of financial difficulty or adversity. It offers ten sentences that exemplify different situations where individuals or businesses experience financial hardship. The article also presents synonyms, antonyms, related words, phrasal verbs, and idioms associated with the concept of falling on hard times. This comprehensive information helps readers understand the expression’s meaning, usage, and various contextual nuances.
