be worn out

The phrase be worn out is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of be worn out.

Meaning of "be worn out"

Meaning

The phrase “be worn out” is an idiom that is used to describe a state of physical or emotional exhaustion. It is usually used to express a feeling of being … drained or worn down to the point of breaking. It can be applied to a person, thing, or situation, and indicates that the person, thing, or situation is no longer able to perform as it should or is expected to.

Etymology

The phrase “be worn out” has been in use since the 1600s, although its exact origins are unknown. The word “worn” is an Old English term that means “frayed” or “worn out”, which likely had an influence on the phrase. It is likely derived from the German word “wehren”, which means “to wear away”. This word has since been incorporated into several other languages, including English.

Usage

The phrase “be worn out” is generally used to describe a feeling of extreme exhaustion or fatigue, both physical and mental. It can also be used to describe a thing or situation that has become overused or exhausted, like an automobile or an idea. It is often used in conversation among friends and family, as well as in written English.

Example Sentences

• After a long day at work, I was completely worn out.
• This old car is starting to get worn out – it's time to get a new one.
• The team brainstormed for hours, but eventually their ideas began to get worn out.

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.