He looks as if he had lost a shilling and found sixpence.
look as if one had lost a shilling and found sixpence
idiomTo look very disappointed.
Origin
disputed originIn pre-decimal British money, a sixpence was worth half a shilling.
When the team lost the final game, the captain looked as if he had lost a shilling and found sixpence.
Upon receiving the news that the project was cancelled, the manager sat at his desk looking as if he had lost a shilling and found sixpence.
- 01
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 02
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 03
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 04
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 05
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
- 06
bite off more than one can chew
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
- 07
bite the big one
To perform poorly; to fail.
- 08
bite the hand that feeds one
To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).