9 Common Idioms For Disappointment

English Idioms for Disappointment, expressions, and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For English Learners idioms are frustrating to make sense of, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms for Disappointment, ELL students must study and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners encounter comprehending the true meaning and suitable usage. This idioms list of Disappointment makes learning easy as ABC, with common Disappointment idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Disappointment together.

Idioms for Disappointment with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Down In The Dumps

Definition and Meaning: Down In The Dumps

The expression “down in the dumps” describes the feeling or mood, which is sad and disappointed.

Down In The Dumps Example Sentences:

• I’ve been down in the dumps lately. I need a change in scenery.
• You look like you’re down in the dumps. What can I do to cheer you up?
• Celia doesn’t like to be down in the dumps so she’s always doing something bright.
• Bobby lost his job last week. He’s been down in the dumps since.
• It’s normal to be down in the dumps after a tough breakup.

2. That’s Too Bad

Definition and Meaning: That’s Too Bad

The expression “that’s too bad” is used to express sympathy or regret.

That’s Too Bad Example Sentences:

• I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get the job. That’s too bad.
• I heard your car broke down. That’s too bad.
• I’m sorry your flight got canceled. That’s too bad.
• I’m sorry you didn’t get the promotion. That’s too bad.
• I’m sorry your team lost the game. That’s too bad.

3. What A Shame

Definition and Meaning: What A Shame

The expression “what a shame” is used to express disappointment or regret.

What A Shame Example Sentences:

• What a shame that she didn’t get the job she wanted.
• What a shame that the concert was canceled.
• What a shame that he didn’t get to see his grandmother before she passed away.
• What a shame that they had to close the restaurant.
• What a shame that the team didn’t make it to the playoffs.

4. Dash Someone’s Hopes

Definition and Meaning: Dash Someone’s Hopes

The expression “dash someone’s hopes” describes destroying someone’s hope.

Dash Someone’s Hopes Example Sentences:

• I don’t want to dash your hopes, but that’s not a good sign.
• Their defeat in regionals dashed their hopes to compete in the finals.
• Why would Melissa dash Roger’s hopes like that?
• It’s hard to find the right words so you don’t dash a person’s hopes.
• Lou is just careful not to dash his son’s hopes for the scholarship.

5. Leave Someone In The Lurch

Definition and Meaning: Leave Someone In The Lurch

The expression “leave someone in the lurch” means to abandon someone who needs your help or presence.

Leave Someone In The Lurch Example Sentences:

• I’m here because she would’ve done the same. I don’t want to leave her in the lurch.
• How can you leave him in the lurch after all he’s done for you?
• We need someone who wouldn’t leave us in the lurch as Talia did.
• Helen left Dave in the lurch after he lost his house in the hurricane.
• Please don’t leave me in the lurch. I trusted you.

6. Kick In The Teeth

Definition and Meaning: Kick In The Teeth

The expression means to treat a person unfairly or badly instead of giving them support.

Kick In The Teeth Example Sentences:

• You kicked him in the teeth last year yet you expect him to give you another chance?
• I don’t think I’ve ever kicked anyone in the teeth; not to my knowledge, at least.
• He got the house after the divorce, which was a big kick in the teeth.
• It was a real kick in the teeth to be fired from a job I gave everything to.
• Mr. Abrams kicked Joshua in the teeth when he was going through therapy.

7. Turn One’s Back On Something

Definition and Meaning: Turn One’s Back On Something

The expression “turn one’s back on something” means to halt involvement with anyone or anything.

Turn One’s Back On Something Example Sentences:

• You can’t turn your back on the project now. You’re too important to the operation.
• He turned his back on us the moment he left Mom.
• Vanessa turned her back on the team when she realized they didn’t value her skills.
• It’s not my style to turn my back on anything once I’ve committed to it.
• It was understandable that Dion turned his back on the community with the way they treated him.

8. Break Someone’s Heart

Definition and Meaning: Break Someone’s Heart

The expression “break someone’s heart” means to disappoint someone deeply. This can also pertain to breaking up with someone or putting a stop to a romantic relationship.

Break Someone’s Heart Example Sentences:

• You’ll break his heart if you don’t go see his game.
• I can’t believe you’re deliberately breaking her heart again.
• Jin’s broken my heart too many times. I don’t trust him anymore.
• Angela broke Jesse’s heart; she was his whole life.
• I’m used to friends breaking my heart all the time. Kellyn’s no different.

9. Let Someone Down

Definition and Meaning: Let Someone Down

The expression “let someone down” means to disappoint someone.

Let Someone Down Example Sentences:

• It’s not a good feeling knowing that you’ve let someone down.
• I don’t want to let you down, so I’ll do my best.
• Rachel’s too scared to let her parents down so she ran away instead.
• You haven’t let us down all these years. You can do this.
• Maru let them down once. She’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Looking for more examples of English Idioms with example sentences, proper usage, and meanings?
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