Fall on hard times Meaning in English
expression
ˈfɑɫ/, /ˈfɔɫ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈhɑɹd/ /ˈtaɪmz
FAWL on HARD tymz
fˈɔːl/ /ˈɒn/ /hˈɑːd/ /tˈaɪmz
FAWL on HAHD tymz
Definition
To experience a period when life becomes very difficult, especially financially or emotionally.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal idiomatic expression, most often about money but also about any difficult period. Usually used in past or present perfect: 'has fallen on hard times', 'fell on hard times'. Not for minor struggles.
Spanish: pasar por tiempos difíciles - atravesar dificultadesPortuguese (BR): passar por dificuldades - enfrentar tempos difíceisPortuguese (PT): passar por dificuldades - enfrentar tempos difíceisChinese (Simplified): 陷入困境 - 遭遇艰难时期Chinese (Traditional): 陷入困境 - 遭遇艱難時期Hindi: मुश्किल समय आना - कठिनाईयों में पड़नाArabic: المرور بأوقات عصيبة - الوقوع في ضيق ماليBengali: কঠিন সময়ে পড়া - মন্দ পরিস্থিতিতে পড়াRussian: оказаться в трудном положении - переживать тяжёлые временаJapanese: 苦境に陥る - 困難な時期を迎えるVietnamese: gặp thời kỳ khó khăn - rơi vào hoàn cảnh khó khănKorean: 어려운 시기를 겪다 - 힘든 상황에 처하다Turkish: zor zamanlar geçirmek - sıkıntılı dönemden geçmekUrdu: برے وقت کا سامنا کرنا - مشکل حالات سے گزرناIndonesian: rơi vào thời kỳ khó khăn - gặp khó khăn
Example Sentences
After losing his job, Tom fell on hard times.
basic
Many families fall on hard times during a recession.
basic
The company has fallen on hard times and might close soon.
basic
Ever since the accident, she really fell on hard times and had to ask for help.
natural
We all fall on hard times sometimes—what matters is how we get back up.
natural
The arts center fell on hard times, but the community worked together to save it.
natural