feel down in the mouth

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does feel down in the mouth mean? In what situations is feel down in the mouth used?

Meaning of "feel down in the mouth"

Meaning

When someone is said to be “feeling down in the mouth,” they are feeling down or discouraged. This phrase is an idiomatic expression that implies that a person's morale is low, making them feel dejected and sad. It is a metaphor that compares a person's emotional state to that of an animal's mouth when it is down in a frowning position.

Etymology

The phrase “down in the mouth” has been used since at least the 1500s. It is believed to have originated from the visual of a lower jaw drooping, giving an impression of someone looking sad. This phrase was also used in Shakespeare’s works, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “Thou look’st down in the Mouth, and heere’s a A man that forbeares thee.”

The phrase “feeling down in the mouth” is a combination of the phrase “down in the mouth” and the verb “feeling”. This phrase began to be used more often in the late 19th century.

Usage

The phrase “feeling down in the mouth” is most often used in informal contexts, such as between friends or family members. It can be used to describe someone’s current emotional state, as well as how they are feeling after a particular event or experience. It can also be used to offer comfort or advice to someone who is feeling down or depressed.

Example Sentences

• I know you feel down in the mouth right now, but remember that it will get better.
• He was feeling down in the mouth after his team lost the game.
• I couldn't help but feel down in the mouth after hearing the news.
• She was feeling down in the mouth after her break up.

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.