OK, so most people got that one correct. Don’t get it confused with ‘down in the dumps’.

STUCK IN A RUT means feeling bored or trapped in a repetitive routine, while DOWN IN THE DUMPS is about feeling sad or low emotionally. One’s about frustration with life’s lack of change, and the other is about a temporary low mood.

Etymology 🌳

STUCK IN A RUTThe phrase comes from the literal idea of a rut, which is a groove or track worn into the ground by wheels or repeated use. If a cart or vehicle got “stuck in a rut,” it would be hard to move forward without effort. This evolved metaphorically in the 18th century to describe people feeling trapped in repetitive or unchanging routines.

DOWN IN THE DUMPSThe origin of “dumps” as a term for sadness dates back to the 16th century. “Dumps” referred to a melancholic or gloomy state, possibly derived from the German word dampf (meaning mist or haze) or the Dutch domp (meaning haze or dullness). The phrase “down in the dumps” became popular in the 19th century to describe feeling emotionally low.

What’s the expression?

to be ______ in a ______

(feeling trapped in a repetitive or unfulfilling routine)

PEARL CLUTCHING
overreacting with shock or disapproval, often in a dramatic or exaggerated way

The politician's speech caused some pearl clutching among the audience of conservatives.

My grandmother is prone to pearl clutching whenever she hears a curse word.

Some critics accused the media of engaging in pearl-clutching journalism by sensationalizing trivial events.

Social media can amplify pearl-clutching reactions to various topics.

A TOUGH COOKIEsomeone who is strong, determined, and able to handle difficult situations

“She didn’t let it affect her when things got tough — she’s really a tough cookie.” ?

“Even after the bad news, he kept going. He’s a tough cookie.” ?️

“Don’t worry about her; she’s a tough cookie and can handle it.” ?