Touch bottom

verb

To reach the lowest or worst point.

After a series of misfortunes, he finally touched bottom.
Visual representation of "touch bottom" - To reach the lowest or worst point

Often appears as...

  • financially touch bottom
  • mentally touch bottom

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To make contact with the ground under a body of water.

I could barely touch bottom in the deep end of the pool.
Visual representation of "touch bottom" - To make contact with the ground under a body of water

Often appears as...

  • touch bottom in pool
  • touch bottom in sea
verb

To reach the lowest or worst point.

After a series of misfortunes, he finally touched bottom.
Visual representation of "touch bottom" - To reach the lowest or worst point

Often appears as...

  • financially touch bottom
  • mentally touch bottom

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To make contact with the ground under a body of water.

I could barely touch bottom in the deep end of the pool.
Visual representation of "touch bottom" - To make contact with the ground under a body of water

Often appears as...

  • touch bottom in pool
  • touch bottom in sea
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "touch bottom"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Descent

Represents reaching an emotional or situational low, not a physical descent.

Illustration for Metaphoric Descent
After losing his job, he felt like he finally touched bottom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Expresses a negative state, often implying an opportunity to start over or improve.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Her business failed, but touching bottom gave her a new perspective.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Used figuratively to describe situation, not to be taken as physically touching something.

Illustration for Not Literal
I never realized how bad things were until I touched bottom.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Descent

Represents reaching an emotional or situational low, not a physical descent.

Illustration for Metaphoric Descent
After losing his job, he felt like he finally touched bottom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Expresses a negative state, often implying an opportunity to start over or improve.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Her business failed, but touching bottom gave her a new perspective.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Used figuratively to describe situation, not to be taken as physically touching something.

Illustration for Not Literal
I never realized how bad things were until I touched bottom.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Descent

Represents reaching an emotional or situational low, not a physical descent.

Illustration for Metaphoric Descent
After losing his job, he felt like he finally touched bottom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Expresses a negative state, often implying an opportunity to start over or improve.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Her business failed, but touching bottom gave her a new perspective.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Used figuratively to describe situation, not to be taken as physically touching something.

Illustration for Not Literal
I never realized how bad things were until I touched bottom.
Visual representation of the word "Touch bottom"

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