head hung low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'head hung low' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of shame, humiliation, sadness, or defeat. For example: "After failing his final exam, Peter walked out of the classroom with his head hung low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

His head hung low.

The New York Times - Sports

With his head hung low, Weinstein looked small, insignificant.

The New Yorker

He was mortified, his head hung low in embarrassment.

The New York Times

Branca sat dejected on a staircase, his head hung low, pleading to be left alone.

The New York Times

Then we wouldn't see her for days, until she reappeared, her head hung low, as if looking for something lost.

The New York Times

His head hung low, as it had during most of the three-week trial in State Supreme Court in Queens.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The picador (only one will engage the bull; the other stands by in a reserve capacity should the first be toppled or incapacitated) will test the bull's courage and lance the neck muscle to ensure that the bull's head hangs low enough for the matador to execute the kill later in the bullfight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the morning, when he finally goes, trailing the delegates on his donkey, God's head hangs low.

Huffington Post

Heads hung low.

The New York Times

Her parents sit mutely, heads hung low, suddenly and irrevocably aged.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Officers Bruder and Wiese, both acquitted in the previous trial, sat on benches in the hallway, their heads hung low, their families at their sides.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "head hung low" to vividly depict a character's shame, sorrow, or defeat, making the emotional state immediately clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "head hung low" when simply describing someone looking down. This phrase carries a strong emotional connotation and should only be used when conveying feelings of sadness, shame, or defeat. Otherwise, opt for neutral descriptions like "looking at the ground".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "head hung low" functions as an adverbial phrase or an idiomatic expression describing a posture indicative of a negative emotional state. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used to depict feelings of shame, sadness, or defeat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "head hung low" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a state of sadness, shame, or defeat. According to Ludwig, this phrase is acceptable in written English and serves to illustrate a character's emotional state effectively. It appears most frequently in news and media sources. While "head hung low" effectively conveys these emotions, alternatives like "dejected", "downcast", and "crestfallen" can provide nuanced variations. When writing, ensure the phrase is used to describe genuine emotional distress rather than simply a downward gaze.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downcast

Describes a state of low spirits or unhappiness, mirroring the physical manifestation of a lowered head.

dejected

Implies a feeling of being dispirited or disheartened, aligning with the overall sentiment of having one's head hung low.

crestfallen

This single word captures the essence of disappointment and dejection, similar to the visual of someone with their head hung low.

in disgrace

Highlights the feeling of shame or dishonor that might cause someone to hang their head low.

mortified

Conveys intense embarrassment and shame, which often results in someone hiding their face or lowering their head.

with a heavy heart

Focuses on the emotional burden causing the dejection, rather than the physical posture.

in despair

Indicates a state of hopelessness, which can lead to someone hanging their head low.

shoulders slumped

Shifts the focus to the posture of the shoulders to describe someone's emotional state.

withdrawn and subdued

Emphasizes the reduced level of activity and emotional expression.

losing heart

Shifts the focus to a loss of courage or enthusiasm, resulting in a feeling of defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "head hung low" in a sentence?

The phrase "head hung low" is used to describe someone experiencing feelings of shame, sadness, or defeat. For example, "After the devastating loss, the team walked off the field, their heads hung low".

What does it mean when someone has their "head hung low"?

It typically indicates that the person is feeling ashamed, guilty, sad, or defeated. It's a physical manifestation of a negative emotional state.

What are some alternative phrases for "head hung low"?

You can use alternatives like "dejected", "downcast", or "crestfallen" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "head hung high"?

Yes, "head held high" is a contrasting phrase that indicates pride, confidence, or defiance. It's the opposite of feeling ashamed or defeated.