Idiom – A day late and a dollar short

A day late and a dollar short – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

An action which is performed late ; A fruitless action even when performed in time, due to lack of proper preparation.

History:

History dates back to the Great depression of economies in the 1930s. But there is evidence of this expression being used in the 1700s, 1900s and in the very recent past. 

Idiom scenarios:

Scenario 1: 

John: I have arranged the funds needed. You can go ahead with the surgery for my mom.

Doctor: I’m sorry, John. You’re a day late and a dollar short. Her cancer had already turned malignant. I wanted you to arrange for the surgery last month.

Scenario 2: 

Teacher: Are you ready for the science exhibition?

Student: No. I’m a day late and a dollar short with it. 

Exercises:

Fill in the blanks to understand the usage of the idiom:

1. The cops dismissed his complaint calling it ………………………………………..
2. Being …………………………………………. the monsoon rains did not benefit the farmers.
3. As he was ……………………………………, he failed in his interview.