The phrase "in low cotton" is an idiomatic expression that means someone is struggling or going through a difficult time. It originated from the cotton industry, where low cotton prices meant lower profits and financial hardship for farmers. To express the same idea, other common synonyms for "in low cotton" include "down on one's luck", "in a tight spot", "hard up", "strapped for cash", "broke", or "financially challenged". All of these expressions convey a sense of financial hardship and difficult circumstances. When life presents challenges and setbacks, it's important to persevere and remember that tough times don't last forever.