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in the doldrums

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*in the doldrums
Fig. sluggish; inactive; in low spirits. (*Typically: be ~; put someone [into] ~.) He's usually in the doldrums in the winter. I had some bad news yesterday, which put me into the doldrums.
See also: doldrums

in the doldrums
1. lacking activity or progress When the economy is in the doldrums, every business feels the effects.
2. feeling sad and lacking the energy to do anything He's been in the doldrums since his girlfriend left for college.
Usage notes: the opposite is out of the doldrums: Maybe inviting him to dinner will get him out of the doldrums.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of the doldrums (the part of the world's seas near the equator where there is little wind, making it difficult to sail)
See also: doldrums


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? References in classic literature
Equatorial work at low levels is trying enough in all conscience without the added terrors of scientific hooliganism in the Doldrums.
I understood quite a good deal of First Principles, but his Biology took the wind out of my sails, and his Psychology left me butting around in the doldrums for many a day.
 
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