Terminology?

[Kay]

Why do we say "Its all downhill from here" when things arn't looking good? Should'nt we say "Uphill" as in having to struggle? Its easier coming down!

[Quizmonster]

'Downhill' - whilst it may seem easier - often has the meaning of heading for an inevitable end. For example, life is sometimes seen as a mountain...we climb up the slope towards middle age and, once past that. "It's all downhill"...ie finishing up in the grave! The idea is that there is no going back and the end is inescapable.

[Hgrove]

Isn't it because when things are going well you can say "we're on top"? Then when things are deteriorating - you are going away from the top.

[nobuo134]

This is a trick question... Where I'm from, anyway, "it's all downhill from here" is an indication that you have already past the obstacle, and that it really is easy from here on out.

[Kay]

Thats what I would have thought Nobuo.Its said "Lifes an uphill climb" so surely coming downhill means Lifes Easier???