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on one's uppers

phrase

: in straitened circumstances : destitute

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on one's toes
on one's uppers
on one condition
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“On one's uppers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20one%27s%20uppers. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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