ROLL DOWNHILL Meaning and
Definition
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To "roll downhill" refers to the act of descending or moving in a downward direction along a slope or incline due to the force of gravity or an external influence. The expression can be used both literally and metaphorically.
In its literal sense, "roll downhill" describes the physical process of an object or person moving from a higher to a lower point on a hill, mountain, or any inclined surface. This movement requires the object or person to relinquish control, as the downhill slope naturally propels them forward. This term may be used to describe the movement of an object such as a ball, or the act of walking or running downhill.
In a metaphorical sense, "rolling downhill" involves a situation where events or circumstances progressively worsen or deteriorate without intervention or effort to stop or change the course. It implies the loss of control or the inability to halt a negative progression, resembling a snowball effect that grows in size and momentum as it cascades downhill. This expression is often used to describe a situation where issues or problems multiply rapidly, making them increasingly difficult to address or resolve as time goes on.
"Rolling downhill" generally denotes an effortless or uncontrollable decline or worsening of a situation, often with a sense of inevitability. Whether referring to a literal descent or a metaphorical decline, this expression conveys the idea of moving towards a lower point or a state of greater difficulty or hardship.
Etymology of ROLL DOWNHILL
The phrase "roll downhill" does not have a specific etymology separate from the individual words it comprises. However, the words "roll" and "downhill" can be briefly explored:
1. Roll: The word "roll" comes from the Old English word "rollian", which means "to turn on an axis". It is closely related to the Old High German word "rollen", which has the same meaning. Both words ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic "hruzlijaną".
2. Downhill: The term "downhill" is a compound word composed of "down" and "hill". "Down" comes from the Old English word "dūne", meaning "hill" or "mountain", which is akin to the Old High German word "tūn", also meaning "hill".
