Feeling down in the mouth

Origin

Imagine an old, worn-out horse, perhaps sick or simply neglected, its lower lip drooping sadly, almost pulling down its entire expression. This physical sign of distress and low spirits in equines was a common sight, and it became a powerful visual metaphor. By the 18th century, this evocative image jumped from the stable to human emotion, perfectly capturing the slump of unhappiness. To be 'down in the mouth' wasn't just a facial expression; it was a full-body sense of dejection, mirroring the sad, sagging countenance of an unwell animal, stripping away its vigor and spirit.