# flat on one's back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/flat-on-ones-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Without recourse; helpless.

## Examples

- The flu has kept me flat on my back all week.
- After the business failed and his savings disappeared, he was left flat on his back with no way to pay his debts.
- The sudden collapse of the regional economy left the small community flat on its back, struggling to find any path toward recovery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.