noun

trough

Translation

manger, channel, depression, low point

The pigs ate from the trough.

The economy is in a trough.

A trough of low pressure is moving in.

a trough for ((animals)) a container for animals He built a water trough for the horses.

in a trough at a low point Share prices are in a trough at the moment.

Synonyms: container, channel, depression; Antonyms: peak, crest, ridge

From Old English 'trog', a hollow vessel, related to 'tree'. Originally a hollowed-out log.

Sounds like 'tough'. Getting out of an economic trough can be tough. Or, picture a long, low 'U' shape.