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(down) in the dumps
01
very sad and hopeless
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "in the dumps" and when to use it?
The origin of the phrase "in the dumps" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. It is commonly employed in informal conversations and everyday language to express one's own feelings or to empathize with others experiencing sadness or disappointment. This phrase can be used when discussing personal struggles, such as after a breakup, during a period of grief, or when feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges.
Example
The team's consecutive losses had put them in the dumps, affecting their morale.
Seeing the abandoned puppies made him feel down in the dumps, prompting him to take action and find them loving homes.
After receiving the rejection letter, he was really in the dumps and needed some time to recover.
The rainy weather and recent disappointments had put him in a state of being down in the dumps.
After failing the exam, she was feeling down in the dumps and needed some time to recover.
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