in the dumps

English

Prepositional phrase

in the dumps

1. Alternative form of down in the dumps
   • 1677, Edward Ravenscroft, King Edgar and Alfreda, London: M. Turner, Act IV, Scene 1, p. 49,^[1]

     Hill[aria]. What, in the dumps, Captain?

     Osw[old]. He’s in a contemplation of Love.

   • 1699, B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, London: W. Hawes et al.,^[2]

     In the dumps, troubled, chagrin, melancholic.

   • 1979, Monty Python, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life:

     When you’re feeling in the dumps
     Don’t be silly chumps
     Just purse your lips and whistle - that’s the thing.