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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Rock bottom

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

The lowest possible level or the worst point in a situation.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. Team morale hit rock bottom after the third cancelled project.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.

Team morale hit ________ after the third cancelled project.
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Rock bottom — The lowest possible level or the worst point in a situation.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Rock bottom” about your own life.

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The lowest possible level or the worst point in a situation.

Compare: Team morale hit rock bottom after the third cancelled project.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it informally about a very low level, such as morale or sales. It is a strong expression, so avoid using it for a minor setback.

More examples in context

  • Ticket sales reached rock bottom before the new campaign began.
  • My confidence was at rock bottom after several unsuccessful auditions.

Usage note

Say at rock bottom, hit rock bottom or reach rock bottom. Before a noun, use a hyphen: rock-bottom prices.

A short conversation

A: How did the team feel before the new coach arrived?
B: Morale was at rock bottom. They had lost every match that month.
A: I hope the new support helps.

One more practice question

If morale is at rock bottom, how is the team feeling?

A. At an extremely low point.
B. At its most confident and enthusiastic.

Check your answer

A. Rock bottom refers to the lowest level.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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