To be in dire or impoverished circumstances, often evident by one's worn-out or torn shoes, indicating extreme poverty and hardship.
他家境贫寒，常常纳履踵决，但学习依然刻苦，从不放弃对知识的追求。
His family was impoverished, often out at the heels, but he still studied diligently, never giving up his pursuit of knowledge.
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