have known better days

have known better days

To be or look particularly shabby, ill-kept, or in poor condition. Well, this car has known better days, but it's been reliable for me since the day I bought it 20 years ago. The poor guy who runs the building is a sweet fellow, but he has certainly known better days by the looks of him.See also: better, days, have, known

have seen/known better ˈdays

be in a worse condition than in the past: That jacket of yours has seen better days — isn’t it time you bought a new one?See also: better, days, have, known, seen