plumb

plumb new depths

to become even worse than before. Man's inhumanity to man has plumbed new depths in this conflict. Industrial relations had plumbed new depths, even for Hackney, with a series of disputes and strikes.

See also: depth, new

plumb the depths

1. to experience extreme sadness. His wife left him in May and during the following months he plumbed the depths of despair. (usually + of)

2. to understand something in detail, especially something that is difficult to understand. In hypnosis we plumb the depths of the unconscious. (usually + of)

3. if something that someone does or says plumbs the depths, it is very bad. I read one review which said the show plumbed the depths of tastelessness. (often + of)

See also: depth

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plumb the depths (of something)

to carefully examine something in order to understand or explain it. Who would want to plumb the depths of the criminal mind?

Etymology: based on plumb line (= a cord with a heavy piece of metal attached to it, used to measure the depth of water under a ship)

See also: depth