hitting bottom

Reaching rock floor

Hitting bottom is reaching the lowest point of a decline, especially in addiction or personal crisis.

The phrase suggests that descent has finally stopped—there's nowhere lower to go: He didn't seek help until he hit bottom.

Often implies a turning point, since hitting bottom can precede recovery.

Also *hit rock bottom* for emphasis.

Opposites
vertical position in a trajectory

hitting bottompeaking

Reaching highest point

topping out · hitting the ceiling · cresting · climaxing · booming

life circumstances or fortune

hitting bottomriding high

Experiencing a winning streak

living the dream · thriving · flourishing · hitting the big time · on cloud nine

momentum and direction

hitting bottommaxing out

Reaching upper boundary

plateauing

Family

bottom, hitter, hitters, hitting, bottoms, bottomed, bottoming, bottomless

Familiarity
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Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG