1.
downhill slope; downward incline
A road or path that descends. The physical sense of a slope going downward.
帰りは下り坂だから楽だ。
The way back is downhill, so it's easy.
下り坂ではブレーキをしっかり使ってください。
Please use the brakes firmly on downhill slopes.
雨の日は下り坂で滑りやすいので気をつけたほうがいい。
On rainy days, downhill slopes are slippery, so you should be careful.
2.
decline; downturn; going downhill
Figuratively, a phase of deterioration, weakening, or worsening in health, career, economy, or other areas.
体力が下り坂だ。
My stamina is declining.
あの会社の業績は下り坂をたどっている。
That company's performance is on a downward trajectory.
天気は午後から下り坂になるらしい。
The weather is apparently going to take a turn for the worse from the afternoon.
USAGE:
In the literal sense, 下り坂 refers to a physical downhill slope. Figuratively, it means a phase of decline. The weather expression 天気が下り坂 is very common in weather forecasts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 急な下り坂 (steep downhill)
- 下り坂をたどる (to follow a downward path)
- 天気は下り坂 (the weather is worsening)
- 体力が下り坂 (stamina is declining)
CONTRAST:
上り坂 is the antonym, meaning uphill slope or improvement.