- Meaning
- This idiom describes a state of low spirits, stagnation, or lack of progress, often marked by feelings of depression, boredom, or inertia. It evokes the maritime ‘Doldrums,’ a region of calm winds where ships could be stranded, symbolizing a lack of momentum or vitality. The phrase is used in personal, economic, or creative contexts to convey a sense of being stuck or uninspired, carrying a melancholic or frustrated tone. It reflects cultural associations of wind with energy and progress, capturing the human experience of emotional or situational stagnation, and often implies a longing for change or revitalization. The idiom’s versatility allows it to describe both individual moods and broader systemic lulls, resonating in societies valuing dynamism and growth.
- Origin
- The phrase originates from 18th-century maritime terminology, referring to the equatorial Doldrums, a belt of low pressure where sailors faced prolonged calms, as documented in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 1798 *The Rime of the Ancient Mariner*. The metaphorical use emerged in the early 19th century, with an 1803 *The Times* article describing a politician ‘in the doldrums’ for lack of influence. It gained traction in Victorian Britain, reflecting economic and social anxieties, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *Bleak House* (1853), where characters languish in inertia. The idiom’s adoption in American English grew during the 19th century, particularly during economic downturns like the Panic of 1873, and was popularized in 20th-century literature and journalism, notably in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *This Side of Paradise* (1920). Its poetic imagery, rooted in the tangible struggles of sailors, and its relevance to emotional and economic cycles ensured its widespread use across English-speaking cultures, from personal diaries to financial reports.
- Variants
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- In the doldrums
- Down in the doldrums
- Stuck in the doldrums
- Languishing in the doldrums
- Examples
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- She’s been in the doldrums since her project was canceled, lacking motivation.
- Down in the doldrums, the economy showed no signs of recovery this quarter.
- Stuck in the doldrums, he couldn’t find inspiration for his next novel.
- Languishing in the doldrums, the team needed a win to boost morale.
- In the doldrums after the breakup, she spent weeks avoiding social events.
- The industry is in the doldrums, with sales flat and innovation stalled.
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