In English, as in many other languages, there is a general tendency that UP implies good, positive, but DOWN indicates bad, negative. This is to a great extent due to our physical experiences. Like when you hear some good news, you jump up, whereas when you hear some sad news, your body tends to sink. So in the sentences above, all the sentences having UP implied are positive in meaning, namely:
I'm feeling up (happy)
It boosted my spirit (happy)
My spirit rose (happy)
You're in high spirits (happy)
That always gives me a lift (happy)
Sentences having DOWN implied are negative in meaning: as in:
I'm feeling down (sad, depressed)
My spirit sank (sad, depressed)
I'm depressed (sad, depressed)
I feel into depression (sad, depressed)
He's really hit bottom this time (sad, depressed)
Hope this helps.
Elaine Astini
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