gutter
The term evokes a strong contrast between functional infrastructure and social failure. In a physical sense, it describes a channel designed for waste or runoff, creating an image of something low, peripheral, and utilitarian. When used to describe a person's life or status, it carries a heavy negative connotation of moral or financial ruin. This metaphorical shift transforms a simple drainage tool into a symbol of the lowest possible social stratum, often implying a loss of dignity or hope.
Meanings
A shallow trough or channel at the side of a road or street used to carry away rainwater.
"The rain rushed down the gutter and into the sewer."
A metal or plastic channel fixed to the edge of a roof to collect and carry away rainwater.
"We need to clear the leaves out of the gutter before the storm hits."
The blank space between two facing pages of a book or magazine.
"The text was lost in the gutter because the binding was too tight."
A state of extreme poverty, misery, or social degradation.
"He felt as though his life had fallen into the gutter after losing his job."
The chef showed the apprentice how to gutter a trout quickly.