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down in the dumps
/daʊn ɪn ðə dʌmps/◆idiom
feeling sad or depressed
After failing the exam, Jake was down in the dumps for days.
After failing the exam, Jake felt sad and depressed for several days.
informal
feeling very sad, depressed, or unhappy
She’s been down in the dumps ever since her dog passed away.
She has been feeling very sad since her dog died.
Used to describe a temporary state of sadness, often due to a specific event.
Collocations
feel down in the dumpsto feel sad or depressed
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal interpretation
This phrase does not refer to actual physical dumps or trash. It is purely idiomatic and should be understood as describing an emotional state.
Gold Rule
Use in context
Always pair this idiom with a reason for the sadness, such as 'She’s down in the dumps after losing her job,' to make the meaning clear.
Word Origin
The phrase dates back to the early 19th century, with 'dumps' originally referring to a state of low spirits or melancholy. The exact origin is unclear, but it may relate to the idea of sinking into a low or depressed state.
Usage Notes
This idiom is informal and commonly used in everyday speech. It does not imply a clinical diagnosis of depression but rather a temporary emotional state.
Word Breakdown
down
in a low or depressed state
adjectivethe dumps
a state of sadness or depression
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary