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Down In The Mouth

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down in the mouth idiom

English Idiom – Down in the mouth.

Meaning

Sad, gloomy or fed up – and it shows on your face.

The idea comes from the corners of your mouth turning down when you’re unhappy. It’s gentle and informal, usually used for a temporary low mood rather than something serious.

Usage:

  • A friend is looking unhappy.
  • Someone has had some disappointing news.
  • Your team has lost an important match.

Example:

  • “Jack failed his driving test last week. He’s been down in the mouth ever since.”

Learn More

Look it upDown in the mouthWiktionary

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “down in the mouth” mean?

Sad or gloomy, especially when it shows on your face.

Is “down in the mouth” serious?

Not usually. It describes a temporary low mood, often after a disappointment.

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