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Region: General | Usage example: He was down in the dumps after the setback.

Down in the dumps

Meaning

Feeling sad or defeated.

Usage

Used to describe temporary melancholy.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Dumps once referred to refuse heaps, symbolizing gloom.

Common since the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Get down in the dumps

Feel sad or depressed.

Down to the wire

Until the very last moment.

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.