lying in the gutter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying in the gutter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is in a state of despair, degradation, or moral decline. Example: "After losing everything, he found himself lying in the gutter, contemplating his next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

MR. RHYS She was drunk, lying in the gutter.

The New York Times

Question: what does an economist do if he sees a £20 note lying in the gutter?

The Guardian - Business

They would prefer to leave me lying in the gutter for six months, if necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

"It always ends badly for traitors: as a rule, their end comes from drink or drugs, lying in the gutter.

The Guardian

"He was the classic Wildean hero," Bazzana writes, "lying in the gutter but looking at the stars".

The New York Times - Books

A stall which had been put up to sell snacks had been blown away, with packets of sweets and crisps lying in the gutter.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was said, too, that it was revolting to see the Russians lying in the gutters drinking the wine which flowed down from the burst barrels in the store-houses on the quay.

Independent

Phones are highly subsidised in Japan and the resale value is essentially nil, so it is not unusual to see lost units lying in the gutter.In some countries it is a common habit to carry around more than one phone.

The Economist

His bloody kaffiyeh still lay in the gutter outside.

The New Yorker

She lies in the gutter of a curving traffic median.

The New York Times - Arts

"I just lay in the gutter next to these six guys," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "lying in the gutter" to create a vivid image of someone in a state of extreme despair or degradation. It is most effective when emphasizing a dramatic fall from grace or a complete loss of hope.

Common error

Avoid using "lying in the gutter" in situations that do not warrant such a strong, negative image. Overusing it can diminish its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying in the gutter" primarily functions as a descriptive element, often serving as a vivid metaphor. It paints a picture of someone in a state of degradation, despair, or ruin. As Ludwig AI explains, it effectively communicates a dire situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lying in the gutter" is a powerful and evocative idiom used to describe a state of extreme despair, degradation, or ruin. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively uncommon but consistently portrays a dramatic and negative situation. Primarily found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to evoke strong emotional responses and highlight significant falls from grace. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the gravity of the situation and whether such a strong image is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down and out

This alternative emphasizes a state of poverty and misfortune.

in dire straits

This alternative highlights a situation of extreme difficulty or distress.

at rock bottom

This alternative suggests being at the lowest possible point in one's life.

in the depths of despair

This alternative focuses on the emotional state of profound hopelessness.

on skid row

This alternative refers to a district known for poverty and homelessness.

fallen on hard times

This alternative indicates a period of difficulty and hardship.

in a state of degradation

This alternative emphasizes moral or physical decline.

hit hard by life

This alternative suggests that life has dealt them harsh setbacks

left to rot

This alternative paints a picture of being forgotten and left to deteriorate.

on the breadline

This alternative suggests living in extreme poverty, barely having enough resources to survive.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "lying in the gutter"?

The phrase "lying in the gutter" is a figurative expression used to describe someone who is in a state of extreme despair, degradation, or moral decline. It implies a significant fall from a better state or a complete loss of hope.

What are some alternatives to saying "lying in the gutter"?

You can use alternatives like "down and out", "at rock bottom", or "in dire straits" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use the phrase "lying in the gutter" in a sentence?

You might say, "After losing his job and his family, he felt like he was lying in the gutter." or "The politician's career was left lying in the gutter after the scandal broke".

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "lying in the gutter" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lying in the gutter" is a very strong and evocative phrase. It may be more suitable for creative writing or journalistic contexts where emotional impact is desired, and less appropriate for formal or business writing.