In life, we often face moments of discouragement. These expressions can help you understand and communicate these feelings effectively. Whether you’re experiencing a setback or supporting someone through a tough time, these 20 expressions related to discouragement will provide the right words.
Expressions Related to Disconnection
1. Down in the dumps
Meaning: Very sad
Example: She’s been down in the dumps lately.
2. Hit rock bottom
Meaning: Reach a low point
Example: After losing his job, he hit rock bottom.
3. Throw in the towel
Meaning: Give up
Example: He decided to throw in the towel on his project.
4. Feel blue
Meaning: Feel sad
Example: I’ve been feeling blue since Monday.
5. Lose heart
Meaning: Become discouraged
Example: Don’t lose heart; things will get better.
6. Give up the ghost
Meaning: Stop trying
Example: The car finally gave up the ghost.
7. Knock the wind out of someone’s sails
Meaning: Deflate one’s confidence
Example: The criticism knocked the wind out of his sails.
8. Hang one’s head
Meaning: Show shame or sadness
Example: He hung his head after the defeat.
9. A heavy heart
Meaning: Feeling sadness
Example: She left with a heavy heart.
10. Throw in the sponge
Meaning: Surrender
Example: He threw in the sponge after many attempts.
11. Feel like giving up
Meaning: Want to quit
Example: I feel like giving up on this task.
12. Down and out
Meaning: Without hope or resources
Example: He’s been down and out for months.
13. Lose one’s nerve
Meaning: Become afraid
Example: She lost her nerve before the exam.
14. Break someone’s spirit
Meaning: Demoralize
Example: The constant failures broke his spirit.
15. Hit a wall
Meaning: Encounter a major obstacle
Example: I hit a wall with my research.
16. Feel defeated
Meaning: Feel beaten
Example: She felt defeated after the argument.
17. At the end of one’s rope
Meaning: Out of patience
Example: I’m at the end of my rope with this issue.
18. Throw up one’s hands
Meaning: Show despair
Example: She threw up her hands in frustration.
19. A sinking feeling
Meaning: Feel dread
Example: He had a sinking feeling about the test.
20. Kick the bucket
Meaning: Die
Example: The old computer finally kicked the bucket.
