Pronunciation: [wɜː hˈɑːd ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "were hard up" means to be in a difficult financial situation. In terms of spelling, "were" is pronounced as /wɜːr/ and is the past tense of the verb "to be". "Hard" is pronounced as /hɑːrd/ and means difficult. "Up" is pronounced as /ʌp/ and refers to something being elevated or raised. Together, the phrase "were hard up" is pronounced as /wɜːr hɑːrd ʌp/ and conveys the idea of struggling financially.
"Hard up" is a colloquial expression used to describe a state of financial difficulty or hardship. It refers to a situation where an individual or a family lacks sufficient funds or resources to meet their basic financial needs or expenses. When someone says that they "were hard up," it typically means they experienced a period of financial constraint or scarcity in the past.
The term "hard up" suggests a temporary or ongoing struggle to make ends meet and implies a level of financial stress. It can encompass various aspects of financial hardship, such as being unable to afford necessary or desired goods and services, struggling to pay bills or debts, living paycheck to paycheck, or even facing potential homelessness.
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts and conversations, highlighting the speaker's financial difficulties without explicitly indicating the specific reasons behind the hardship. It can be used to describe a range of circumstances, from minor financial setbacks to more severe economic crises. Context is critically important in understanding the extent and impact of being "hard up" as it may vary from person to person.
Overall, "hard up" pertains to a condition of financial strain, where individuals or families face challenges in maintaining a stable and comfortable financial situation.
