Down in the dumps

Meaning

The idiom "down in the dumps" means to feel sad or depressed, often for a prolonged period of time. It is used to describe someone who is feeling low or downcast, usually as a result of a situation that has affected them negatively.

Usage

• Sarah was feeling down in the dumps after her exam results came back.
• John's dog passed away and he's been down in the dumps ever since.
• The weather forecast for the weekend is expected to be gloomy, with a chance of rain. You might find yourself feeling down in the dumps if you're stuck inside all day.
• She lost her job and has been struggling financially, causing her to feel down in the dumps.
• The team lost the game by a narrow margin and the players were down in the dumps afterwards.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "down in the dumps" is unclear. Some believe it may have come from the old English phrase "dumpe," which meant to be heavy or slow-moving, while others believe it may have been derived from an Old Norse phrase "dympan," which means to make someone sad or melancholy. The idiom has been in use since at least the 17th century, with early uses appearing in English literature and poetry. Over time, its usage has remained relatively consistent, although it may be used more frequently in contemporary language to describe feelings of sadness or depression.

Synonyms in English

• Bummed out
• Mopey
• Blue
• Low spirits
• Gloomy

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Triste (sad)
• French: Triste (sad)
• German: Traurig (gloomy)
• Italian: Tristissimo (very sad)
• Portuguese: Tristeza (sadness)

Similar Idioms

• drive crazy

• dirt cheap

• doozy