from rags to riches Definition

rag¹
noun

1. A worn, torn or waste scrap of cloth.
2. A shred, scrap or tiny portion of something.
3. Old or tattered clothing.

Example: dressed in rags
Form: rags (usually)
4. jocular
A flag, handkerchief or garment.
5. derog, colloq
A newspaper.
Example: the local rag
6a. ragtime;
6b. A piece of ragtime music.

verb ragged, ragging

1a. To tear to rags;
1b. To make ragged¹.
2. To perform (a piece of music or a dance) in ragtime.
intr
3. Said of clothing, a piece of cloth, etc: to become ragged; to fray.

Derivative: raggy
adj

Idiom: from rags to riches

From poverty to wealth.

Idiom: lose one's rag

slang
To lose one's temper.

Etymology: 14c: from Anglo-Saxon raggig shaggy.