DOWNHILL Meaning and
Definition
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Downhill is an adjective that is typically used to describe something that is characterized by a descent or downward slope. It refers to a movement or a direction that is descending or going downward, either literally or figuratively.
When referring to physical terrain, "downhill" signifies a slope or an incline that descends gradually from a higher point to a lower one. This term is often used in the context of sports and recreational activities, such as skiing, cycling, or skateboarding, where participants navigate downward slopes or race against gravity. In such cases, "downhill" is associated with speed, as objects or individuals tend to accelerate when moving in a downward direction.
In a figurative sense, "downhill" is used to describe a decline or deterioration in a situation or quality. It implies that things are becoming worse, less successful, or more challenging. This colloquial expression can be applied to various aspects of life, such as relationships, careers, or personal circumstances. For example, a business might be said to be going downhill if it is experiencing a decrease in profitability or losing market share.
Overall, the term "downhill" carries the connotation of a downward slope, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense, and suggests movement, decline, or decreasing quality.
Top Common Misspellings for DOWNHILL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DOWNHILL
Etymology of DOWNHILL
The word "downhill" can be traced back to Old English, where it originated from the combination of two words: "dun" and "hill".
The term "dun" referred to a color between brown and gray, or a certain shade of brown. "Hill", on the other hand, derived from the Old English word "hyll", which referred to an elevated piece of land.
Over time, the term "dunhill" evolved to become "downhill", with "dun" losing its specific color reference and instead denoting the downward direction. The word "downhill" eventually came to refer to the slope or descent of a hill, and has since been used figuratively to describe a decline or deterioration in various contexts.
Idioms with the word DOWNHILL
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be (all) downhill
The idiom "be (all) downhill" typically means that something is becoming easier or more manageable. It suggests that the hardest part or the most challenging aspect has already been overcome, and from that point forward, everything will be smoother and require less effort.
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go downhill
The idiom "go downhill" is used to describe a decrease in quality, effectiveness, or success. It refers to a situation or experience gradually worsening or deteriorating over time.
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be downhill all the way
The idiom "be downhill all the way" means that something is becoming progressively easier or simpler, often implying that a situation or task requires less effort, skill, or hardship as time goes on. It suggests that the path ahead is smooth and without obstacles, allowing for a smooth and effortless journey or process.
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downhill all the way
The idiom "downhill all the way" typically means that a situation is progressively worsening or deteriorating without any hope of improvement. It implies that once a negative situation has begun, it continues to worsen with no respite or positive outcome in sight.
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it's all downhill
The idiom "it's all downhill" means that a situation is becoming easier or less challenging. It implies that the hardest or most difficult part has been overcome and that the rest will be much smoother and effortless.
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all downhill from here
The idiom "all downhill from here" is used when referring to a situation that is becoming easier, more pleasant, or has reached a point of no return. It suggests that the hardest part or the most challenging tasks are now behind, and things will only get better or easier from that point forward.
Similar spelling words for DOWNHILL
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