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What does “down in the dumps” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
Feeling sad or low
“He's been a bit down in the dumps this week.”
From the B2 lesson Under the Weather (health and feeling better).
C1
Feeling sad, low or a bit depressed
“She's been a bit down in the dumps this week.”
From the C1 lesson How Are You Really? (moods and feelings).
Quick check
What does “down in the dumps” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“down in the dumps” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- on top of the worldfeeling extremely happy
- keep your chin upused to encourage someone to stay positive during a difficult time
- let off steamto release stress, often through activity
- under the weatherfeeling slightly unwell
- take it out on (someone)to treat someone badly because you're upset, even if it's not their fault
- feel betterto feel less unwell or less upset
- cheer someone upto help someone feel happier
- get some restto sleep or relax to recover energy
- calm downto become less angry or upset
- at the end of your tetherat the limit of your patience or emotional strength, unable to cope any longer
- running on emptyextremely tired, with no energy left to give
- at a low ebbgoing through a difficult, low period, emotionally or otherwise