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# fallen on hard times

phrase (verb phrase: fall on hard times, falls, fell, has fallen, falling on hard times)

«fallen on hard times» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism) become poor or have serious money troubles, usually after being better off before.
2. (of a place or business) become run-down or less successful.

### In the lessons

A gentle, kind way to say someone is poor or broke without shaming them; also used of towns, shops and teams. Polite and slightly old-fashioned, all regions; common in stories, charity appeals and news.

### Examples

- The family had fallen on hard times after the factory closed.
- The charity helps people who have fallen on hard times.
- Old Mr Jenkins fell on hard times and had to sell his house.
- Our town fell on hard times when the mine shut.
- In the story, the prince falls on hard times and works as a cook.
- Rumour has it they've fallen on hard times, so be kind.
- The club fell on hard times and dropped down a league.
- "We've fallen on hard times," Mum admitted, "so no takeaways this month."

### Note

Trap: nobody literally falls; it is a change in money or luck. Plain word: became poor, broke. Sounds kinder than «they're broke». Past form: fell on hard times; perfect: have fallen on hard times.