C2idiomformalemotionsIELTS-friendly
at a low ebb
USUK
in a weak, sad or bad state
Written and news style. Often about morale, spirits, confidence or relations, not just one person's mood. 'Ebb' is the tide going out.
In context
After the team's tenth defeat, morale was at a low ebb.
Relations between the two neighbours have been at a low ebb since the land dispute.
More idioms about emotions
- a bitter pill to swallowan unpleasant fact or situation that is hard to accept
- a bundle of nervesvery nervous and worried
- a chip on your shouldera lasting anger because you feel you were treated unfairly in the past
- a knot in your stomacha tight, sick feeling in your body caused by worry or fear
- a lump in your throata tight feeling in your throat because you are so moved that you might cry