English idiom

rock bottom

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

the lowest possible point in a difficult situation

Why this phrase?

The worst point is pictured as the solid rock at the very bottom, with nowhere lower to fall.

Example

“After losing the contract, the company seemed to have hit rock bottom.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

body blow

a major setback that seriously weakens a person, organization, or effort

come unstuck

to fail or encounter a problem that causes a plan or effort to break down

easier said than done

Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.

go downhill

to become progressively worse in condition, quality, or performance

hang in there

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

in a tight spot

in a difficult or dangerous situation

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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