[hit|reach] rock bottom
1
to reach the lowest possible point in a particular situation, often in terms of emotional or financial well-being
The origin of the idiom "hit rock bottom" is related to the idea of a miner who has dug deep into the earth and reached the very bottom layer of rock. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, addiction, and mental health issues. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a significant and often painful setback, and where they are at the lowest point in their life, with little hope of improvement.
- After losing his job, his home, and his family, he felt like he had hit rock bottom.
- She hit rock bottom after years of struggling with depression and anxiety, and finally sought therapy.
- The athlete reached rock bottom after being caught using performance-enhancing drugs, and had to serve a lengthy suspension.
- The company's profits had been declining for years, but after the latest financial crisis, they hit rock bottom.