broken bird
noun1
A bird that is unable to fly due to one or both of its wings being broken.
- The lifeguard said he would call animal control and I went back to stand watch over the broken bird.2003, Krista Beth Driver, But I Want a Casserole: Diary of an Eating Disorder, Xulon Press, →ISBN, page 233:
2
Aeronautics, Aerospace, Aviation, Business, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences An unflyable aircraft, particularly one that has been grounded or downed.
- He threw off his helmet, released himself from the belts, straps, hoses and wires and climbed down from the broken bird.1999, Peter J. Azzole, Hell to Pay, iUniverse, →ISBN, page 58:
3
Figuratively A troubled or emotionally fragile person, especially one suffering the aftereffects of a personal trauma.
- He was shunned by the entire community, and died shortly after, a broken bird.1996, David Curzon, The View from Jacob's Ladder: One Hundred Midrashim, The Jewish Publication Society, →ISBN, page 93: