a low ebb

low ebb

A state of decline. The economy is at a low ebb with no hope of recovery in the near future.
See also: ebb, low
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(at) a low ˈebb

not as good, strong, successful, etc. as usual: Business confidence is at a low ebb at the moment. Our family fortunes are at a bit of a low ebb. OPPOSITE: (on) the crest of a wave
This idiom refers to a very low tide, when the sea is a long way from the land.
See also: ebb, low
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • low ebb
  • at a low ebb
  • fly low
  • be/run low
  • run low
  • have a low opinion of (someone or something)
  • high and low
  • not so bad
  • in low water
  • a peg too low
References in periodicals archive
Inter Milan's confidence, on the other hand, is at a low ebb after they were thrashed 4-1 at Napoli last Sunday.
He found himself at a low ebb when he was evicted from his flat and had no income.
The 39-year-old was at a low ebb last year after the breakdown of his marriage, and was in danger of tumbling out of the all-important top 16 places in the world rankings.
Enrollments in chemical engineering are also at a low ebb, so just being a newly minted chemical engineering department (and one out of nearly 160 nationally) may not be all that is required.
They use interviews with company executives, especially in the high-tech field, to make a case that options really do make a difference in attracting and -- especially in recent years -- retaining key employees when a company's fortunes are at a low ebb. Of course, that may mean repricing options when the stock has fallen dramatically, never an easy sell to outside investors.
Still, Shumway is seeing fewer fire sales than during previous times when the economy was at a low ebb. Less expensive homes in the $300,000 to half-million-dollar range are selling quickly.
TROUBLED singer Amy Winehouse has admitted her life has reached 'a low ebb' following her husband's imprisonment last year.
It is like a cry for help for the body and if a therapist picks up on such a low ebb they would advise rest.