To "go limp" means to become soft, slack, or weak, losing firmness or strength. This phrase is often used to describe when a person or object's muscles or structure suddenly lose their tone or tension, resulting in a floppy or unresisting state. For example, a person may go limp after being hit, fainting, or feeling extremely weak, collapsing without resistance. It can also describe objects that lose rigidity, like wilted leaves or hair hanging loosely. Additionally, "go limp" can refer literally to walking unevenly or with difficulty, typically due to an injury (like limping). Metaphorically, it can mean losing interest or energy in something previously pursued with enthusiasm. In summary:
- Literally: losing muscle firmness or physical strength (e.g., going limp after injury or fatigue)
- Figuratively: losing motivation, interest, or energy
- Also associated with walking unevenly due to injury (limping)
This meaning covers physical and metaphorical uses, with its core idea being a loss of firmness or strength to the point of collapse or sagging.
