Green’s Dictionary of Slang

shambles phr.

In phrases

upon the shambles (adj.)

1. in poverty.

1824

History of Gaming Houses & Gamesters 7: Bill Drts got hooted out of society, he retired to his native Bath [...] and there died — upon the shambles.

2. (US) facing trouble.

1954

J. O’Hara Sweet and Sour 68: McCrary may still be on the shambles, and it couldn’t happen to a—well, now, I mustn’t go Irish on you all of a sudden.