PhrasesHub

dip below

    Definitions

      • decrease
        To drop below a certain level or standard, often in the context of measurements or statistics

      • lose
        To fall below a certain point, often in terms of performance or behavior

      • conceal
        To hide or go beneath a particular threshold or level, especially in terms of visibility or awareness

    Examples of dip below

    • The dip below the 200-day moving average is a classic sign of weakness in the stock's price.

      When a stock's price dips below its 200-day moving average, it can be interpreted as a sign of weakness in the stock's underlying fundamentals. This is because the 200-day moving average is a widely used technical indicator that represents the average price of a stock over the past 200 days. When the price of a stock falls below this moving average, it indicates that the stock has lost momentum and may be headed for a further decline in price.

    • The fishing boats dipped below the horizon as we sailed farther out to sea.

      In this example, "dip below" is used to describe the movement of the fishing boats as they became less visible in the distance. As the boats sailed away from the observer, their tops disappeared below the horizon, causing them to appear as if they were dipping below the horizon. This usage of the idiom is unrelated to the stock market, but instead describes a visual phenomenon.

    • The ocean depths dip below 10,000 feet in this area.

      In this third example, "dip below" is used to describe the depth of the ocean in a specific location. When the ocean floor reaches a depth of 10,000 feet or more, it is said to dip below this depth, implying a dramatic drop-off in the terrain. This usage of the idiom is related to geography and physical geography in particular.While all of these examples relate to a "dip below" phenomenon, they each use the idiom in a different context and demonstrate its versatility in everyday language.

    • The water level in the reservoir has dipped below the intake point, causing a temporary disruption in the water supply.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where something drops below a certain level or point. In this example, it's used to describe the decrease in water level in the reservoir, causing a disruption in the water supply due to it falling below the point from which it is drawn.

    • The stock market took a dip below the 20,000 points mark yesterday, causing panic among investors.

      This idiom is used to describe the sudden decrease in the value of the stock market index, in this case, when it dropped below the 20,000 points mark. It can also signify a drop in value of a particular stock. This can cause panic among investors as they may stand to lose out on money due to the stock's devaluation.

    • The temperature had dipped below freezing, forcing the authorities to issue a weather advisory.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where the temperature falls below the freezing point, which can be potentially hazardous, particularly during winter. In this example, the temperature dip led to a weather advisory being issued by authorities to warn people about the potential hazardous conditions caused due to the drop in temperature.

    • Her spirits dipped below the surface as she received her rejection letter from the college she'd applied to.

      This idiom is used to describe a sudden drop in a person's mood or emotional state, in this case, caused due to a rejection letter from a college. Here, the use of the verb "dipped below" is metaphorical, and it signifies that the person's spirits dropped below the surface, indicating that she was deeply affected by the rejection letter.

    • The water level in the reservoir dipped below its normal level due to the prolonged dry season.

      In this example, "dip below" is used to mean that the water level has decreased significantly and is lower than its normal or expected level.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "dip below" is commonly used to indicate a decrease in something, whether it be a numerical value, a standard, or a level of performance. It can also suggest losing or hiding beneath a certain point or threshold. Overall, the phrase is versatile in conveying a decline or concealment in various contexts.

    Origin of "dip below"

    The origin of the idiom "dip below" can be traced back to the literal action of dipping beneath a surface. The word "dip" itself means to lower something into a liquid or other substance, often partially submerging it. In this sense, "dip below" likely evolved from this physical action to symbolize a decrease or concealment in a figurative sense.

    The idiom may have also gained popularity through its use in sports or other competitive activities where performance levels are crucial. Athletes or competitors who "dip below" a certain standard or level may face consequences or setbacks, leading to the negative connotations associated with the phrase. Overall, the origin of "dip below" reflects its practical and visual nature, making it a vivid and commonly used expression in everyday language.