Sadness is a universal emotion, often expressed through idioms that capture the depth and nuance of our feelings. Understanding these idioms can enhance your communication, making it more vivid and relatable. Here are 20 idioms that describe sadness, complete with their meanings and example sentences.
Idioms That Describe Sadness
1. Down in the Dumps
Meaning: Feeling very sad or depressed.
Example: She’s been down in the dumps since the breakup.
2. Feeling Blue
Meaning: Feeling sad or melancholic.
Example: He’s feeling blue after hearing the bad news.
3. Heartbroken
Meaning: Extremely sad and disappointed.
Example: She was heartbroken when her pet died.
4. Crying Over Spilled Milk
Meaning: Being upset over something that can’t be changed.
Example: Don’t cry over spilled milk; it’s already done.
5. In a Funk
Meaning: In a state of depression.
Example: He’s been in a funk since he lost his job.
6. Downhearted
Meaning: Feeling very sad or discouraged.
Example: She felt downhearted after failing the exam.
7. Heavy Heart
Meaning: Feeling deeply sad or troubled.
Example: With a heavy heart, he said goodbye.
8. Long Face
Meaning: Looking sad or disappointed.
Example: Why the long face? Did something happen?
9. Broken-Hearted
Meaning: Overwhelmingly sad due to a loss.
Example: She was broken-hearted after the sudden breakup.
10. Beside Oneself
Meaning: Overwhelmed with sadness or grief.
Example: He’s beside himself with sorrow after the loss.
11. In the Depths of Despair
Meaning: Experiencing extreme sadness.
Example: She was in the depths of despair after the tragedy.
12. Tears Rolling Down
Meaning: Crying uncontrollably from sadness.
Example: Tears rolled down her face during the sad movie.
13. Gutted
Meaning: Extremely disappointed or sad.
Example: He was gutted when he missed the concert.
14. Feeling Low
Meaning: Feeling sad and depressed.
Example: He’s been feeling low since his friend moved away.
15. Mourning
Meaning: Grieving the loss of someone or something.
Example: She’s still mourning the loss of her mother.
16. Crying a River
Meaning: Crying a lot from sadness.
Example: She cried a river after the argument.
17. Downcast
Meaning: Feeling despondent or dejected.
Example: He looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
18. In the Doldrums
Meaning: Feeling depressed or low-spirited.
Example: She’s been in the doldrums since the accident.
19. Sinking Feeling
Meaning: A feeling of dread or sadness.
Example: He had a sinking feeling when he heard the news.
20. Shattered
Meaning: Extremely upset or distressed.
Example: She was shattered by the news of his passing.
