slough of despond
Originating from John Bunyan's 1678 allegorical novel *The Pilgrim's Progress*, the 'slough of despond' symbolizes a mire of emotional and spiritual struggles.
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Definition
C2Literature
(figurative, historical)A metaphorical bog representing a state of deep despair and hopelessness.
Example
- In *The Pilgrim's Progress*, Christian struggles to escape the slough of despond.
C1Psychology
(figurative)A profound state of emotional despair and hopelessness.
Example
- After losing his job, he found himself in a slough of despond.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "slough of despond":