be at a low ebb
Meaning: To be in a poor or weak state.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “After the flu, my energy was at a low ebb for weeks.”
Category: Nature
Origin: The ebb is the tide going out; at its lowest, the water is at its lowest point, with the promise of rising again. The figurative use is found from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Au creux de la vague — literally: In the trough of the wave
More idioms — Nature
- the four corners of the earth — Every part of the world.
- like a bolt from the blue — Completely unexpected, usually of bad news.
- hearts and flowers — Excessive sentimentality.
- a slippery slope — A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
- separate the wheat from the chaff — To distinguish what is valuable from what is worthless.
- promise the moon — To promise something impossible to deliver.
More English idioms
- sit on the fence — To avoid taking sides.
- take an ax to — To cut something drastically, especially spending or jobs.
- in the crosshairs — Targeted for attack, criticism or scrutiny.
- hand in hand — Closely together; in close association.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth — Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- raise a hue and cry — To make a loud public protest.
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