heart-sinking

There were days of high temperature and delirium; days of heart-sinking when Strang's pulse was barely perceptible; days when he lay conscious, eyes weary and drawn, the sweat of pain on his face.

THE END OF THE STORY 2010

But first-timer Rosie Alison faced the same repeated heart-sinking rejection by publishers as many others, which perhaps made her shortlisting today for the 2010 Orange prize all the sweeter.

Rosie Alison, Shortlisted For Orange Prize, Got No Help From Husband, British Book Chain Founder Tim Waterstone 2010

The bear pursuing doomed Antigonus (Gerry Bamman) is a heart-sinking shadow puppet.

David Finkle: First Nighter: Public Theater's Merchant of Venice and Winter's Tale Are Problems, Only the First of Which Is Solved 2010

But first-timer Rosie Alison faced the same repeated heart-sinking rejection by publishers as many others, which perhaps made her shortlisting today for the 2010 Orange prize all the sweeter.

Rosie Alison, Shortlisted For Orange Prize, Got No Help From Husband, British Book Chain Founder Tim Waterstone 2010

We're all familiar with gruesome reports that make headline news: the NYC woman who was beaten to a pulp in a bathroom stall for rebuffing a man's request to dance; stories preceded by these heart-sinking words -- she was last seen at -- not to mention reports of domestic violence, sexual abuses and atrocities heaped upon women and girls all over the world, beamed to us from afar -- and not so far.

Melissa Soalt: Got Fierce? How to Become a Self-Defending Dame! Melissa Soalt 2010

In this case, I picture the judges, weary from perusing massive laser-printed works of heart-sinking merit, suddenly rejoicing at the discovery of a manuscript as engaging as this one, absolutely assured in its tone, literary sophistication and satirical humor.

'Ilustrado' by Miguel Syjuco, reviewed by Michael Dirda 2010

But unfortunately, this wasn't the last heart-sinking news I would receive.

Kim Mance: Double-Whammy: U.S. Healthcare Hits Us Up One Side and Down the Other 2008

For seven long years I've watched with heart-sinking amazement as this administration violated the US Constitution, common law, international law, treaties and even the rights of its own citizens -- and got away with it.

When Doing the Right Thing, May be The Wrong Thing 2008

But just as the work began with strenuous industry, there came letters from Lucien in Paris, heart-sinking letters that told his mother and sister and brother-inlaw of his failure and distress; and when Eve, Mme. Chardon, and David each secretly sent money to their poet, it must be plain to the reader that the three hundred francs they sent were like their very blood.

Eve and David 2007

But just as the work began with strenuous industry, there came letters from Lucien in Paris, heart-sinking letters that told his mother and sister and brother-inlaw of his failure and distress; and when Eve, Mme. Chardon, and David each secretly sent money to their poet, it must be plain to the reader that the three hundred francs they sent were like their very blood.

Eve and David 2007