Estar de capa caída

to be on the decline; **to be on the decline**; **to be down**; **to be going through a rough patch**; **to be past one's best** (depending on the context); **to be in a slump**

Estar de capa caída means to be in decline, downhearted, going through a bad period or no longer enjoying the success or vitality one once had.

• someone feeling discouraged
• a business that is struggling
• a football team going through a bad run
• an artist whose popularity has declined
• any person or institution experiencing a downturn

The expression probably dates back to Spain's Golden Age, when the capa (cape) was a symbol of elegance, dignity and social status.

A proudly worn cape suggested confidence and prosperity.

A capa caída suggested discouragement, defeat or a loss of prestige.

Over time, the image became a general metaphor for decline.

The expression is not limited to emotions.

A football club, a political party, a company or even an artistic movement can all estar de capa caída.

It describes a temporary or prolonged loss of strength, popularity or success.

Spanish uses clothing in many idiomatic expressions:

• Estar de capa caída → to be on the decline.
• Ponerse las pilas → to get one's act together.
• Arremangarse → to roll up one's sleeves and get to work.

Clothing often symbolises attitude, energy and social standing in Spanish idiomatic language.

Do not translate the expression literally.

English speakers would never say:

His cape is hanging down.

Instead, use expressions such as:

• He's feeling down.
• The team is in a slump.
• The company is on the decline.
• They're going through a rough patch.

Choose the translation according to whether the subject is a person or an organisation.