sink to such depths

sink to such depths

To lower one's ethical standards (or perceived standards) by behaving in a malignant, self-centered, or despicable manner. In the wake of these vicious attacks, it's horrible to think that our fellow citizens could sink to such depths in the name of patriotism. I knew John wasn't the most philanthropic guy around, but I never expected him to sink to such depths.
See also: depth, sink, such
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • sink so low
  • stoop so low
  • sink to new depths
  • present company excepted
  • present company excluded
  • I'm all right, Jack
  • ego tripper
  • ego-tripper
References in classic literature
Can a man really sink to such depths of meanness?" said the prince, sadly.
The Idiot
That there are those who standards of behaviour sink to such depths as to physically and verbally assault medics shames us all.
We must protect our 999 crews
That there are those whose standards of behaviour sink to such depths as to physically and verbally assault medics shames us all.
We must stop abuse of 999 staff
"I understand the desperation and desire of this government to vilify my family especially since they are being exposed daily for some alleged scam or other, and am well aware of the lengths to which they are going to use the media to further their political ends but that they should sink to such depths as dragging a 75-year-old lady into their vendettas is deplorable,aACA[yen] wrote Vadra.
Dragging my mother's name for political vendetta: Robert Vadra
It's hard to believe that the owners have allowed the club to sink to such depths. By boycotting the games at Northampton is the only way to make the owners to change direction or to allow a new ownership to buy them out.
Sixfields snub is the only way; letters@coventrytelegraph.net Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net
Mateschitz is adamant his team will not sink to such depths, saying: "Let the two drivers race and whatever will be will be.
Red Bull vow to fight cleanly; FORMULA ONE
Is it really in the RFT's interest to sink to such depths?
New low for RFT
But, although the lessons of gun violence are made crystal clear, the readiness of the thinly-sketched characters to quickly sink to such depths without considering the consequences is rather depressing.
A depressing role for Ashley; LIFE & LYRICS (15) VERDICT: *****
How can a species that had the technical ability to put a man on the Moon now sink to such depths of depravity to treat our fellow Earthly inhabitants with such soulless disregard?
Letter: How can we sink so low?