Down in the dumps
Meaning
To be feeling very sad, depressed, or unhappy.
Origin
The curious term 'dumps' in this phrase isn't referring to a landfill but to a profound state of melancholic gloom. Tracing back to the 16th century, the word 'dump' itself evolved to signify a heavy, sad mental state, possibly from a Germanic root suggesting dullness or low spirits. By the late 17th century, the image of being 'down in the dumps' had firmly settled into the English lexicon, painting a vivid picture of someone utterly submerged in dejection, as if bogged down in a mire of sadness, unable to lift their spirits.
Examples
- After failing the exam, he was really down in the dumps for the rest of the week.
- She's been down in the dumps ever since her favorite pet ran away.