at a low ebb: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at a low ebb’ mean?
The idiom "at a low ebb" means to be in a state of decline or weakness, often referring to one's mood, energy, or performance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the wane" means that something is declining or decreasing in strength, popularity, or influence. It describes a gradual and noticeable decline in a particular situation or condition.
The idiom "in a state" means to be in a state of distress, anxiety or confusion.
An idiom used to describe someone who is in an emotional or mental state of extreme agitation, distress, or confusion.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "hit below one's weight" means to perform at a level that is lower than expected or below one's usual standards. It is often used to describe someone who is not meeting their full potential or underperforming in a particular situation.
"High and dry" is an idiom that means to be left in a difficult or helpless situation, especially without any assistance or support.
The idiom "have the blues" means to be feeling sad or depressed, often without a specific reason. It is often associated with a feeling of melancholy or a low mood.
The idiom "hang low" means to appear sad or dejected, often with drooping body posture or a downcast expression.
The idiom "go to the bow-wows" means to deteriorate or decline in a significant way.
The idiom "go downhill" means that something is deteriorating or becoming worse over time. It can refer to a decline in quality, performance, or overall condition.
Discovering Depths: 'Low Ebb' Explanation
The idiom "at a low ebb" is closely related to other idioms that express a similar sense of decline or negativity. One such idiom is "down in the dumps," which is often used to describe a person who is feeling sad, depressed, or downcast. Like "at a low ebb," this idiom conveys a sense of being in a state of emotional decline or distress.
Another related idiom is "hang low," which is used to describe a person or group that is experiencing a period of low energy, motivation, or enthusiasm. This idiom suggests a lack of vitality or spirit, similar to the sense conveyed by "at a low ebb." It indicates a state of diminished resources or overall negativity.
Similarly, the idiom "on the wane" is also related to the idea of decline or decrease. It is often used to describe something that is gradually diminishing or becoming less powerful or influential. This idiom shares the same sense of diminished importance or effectiveness as "at a low ebb."
These idioms, including "down in the dumps," "hang low," and "on the wane," all express a similar concept to "at a low ebb." They convey a state of decline, weakness, or depression, whether it be emotional, physical, or otherwise. These idioms are used in various contexts to describe situations of difficulty, hardship, or decreased significance.
Overall, the idiom "at a low ebb" and its related idioms serve as useful expressions for conveying a range of circumstances characterized by decline, weakness, or negativity. They are commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the complexities of the human experience. Whether used to describe a person's mood, a company's performance, or a country's standing, these idioms effectively communicate a sense of extreme difficulty, diminished resources, or reduced importance.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "at a low ebb" can be used in a sentence:
- After losing his job, his confidence was at a low ebb.
- During the winter months, our motivation can be at a low ebb.
- After the death of his father, his energy and enthusiasm were at a low ebb.
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