dirt poor
1
affected by poverty to an extreme degree
The idiom "dirt poor" has its origin in the late 19th or early 20th century. The term "dirt" here is used figuratively to denote extreme poverty, suggesting that someone is as poor as the soil or dirt itself. This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely impoverished, lacking basic necessities, and living in dire financial conditions.
- After losing his job and savings, he became dirt poor and had to rely on charity for survival.
- Despite having a full-time job, they were dirt poor, barely making ends meet due to high living costs.
- She grew up in a small village, and her family was dirt poor, struggling to afford even the most basic food.
- The novel's protagonist was born into a dirt-poor family and worked tirelessly to improve his life.