1 general:: Phrase(s): *in the doldrums Fig. sluggish; inactive; in low spirits. (*Typically: be ~; put someone [into] ~.) • He’s usually in the doldrums in the winter. • I had some bad news yesterday, which put me into the doldrums.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2 general:: Depressed; dull and listless. For example, Dean's in the doldrums for most of every winter. This expression alludes to the maritime doldrums, a belt of calms and light winds north of the equator in which sailing ships were often becalmed. [Early 1800s] Also see DOWN IN THE DUMPS.
American Heritage Idioms