at (great,etc.) mischief: in (great) misfortune or poverty; in distress; spec. at a disadvantage in battle. Obsolete.

the extreme edge; chiefly figurative in on the ragged edge: in an extreme or challenging situation; in a state of distress, resourcelessness…

In figurative phrase (down) on one's uppers: in poor or reduced circumstances; having hard luck; also formerly to walk (etc.) on one's uppers. collo…