worse for wear

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worse for wear

1. (idiomatic) In poor physical condition due to long or heavy use.

   Synonyms: broken-down, worn-out, deteriorated; see also Thesaurus:deteriorated

   • 2012, David Walliams [pseudonym; David Edward Williams], Ratburger, London: HarperCollins Children’s Books, →ISBN:

     However, before Zoe could open the first cage, Burt’s van, looking decidedly the worse for wear, came thundering into the warehouse, smashing the huge metal sliding door into the air as it did so

2. (idiomatic) Drunk.

   Synonyms: worse for liquor; see also Thesaurus:drunk

Often, but not always, preceded by the.