Bear Market

idiom

Meaning

A prolonged period of falling prices and pessimistic investor sentiment.

Origin

disputed origin

From the bear's downward swipe with its paws, taken to picture a falling market.

Examples

SIMPLE

Many investors accumulated Bitcoin during the bear market.

CONTEXTUAL

During the bear market, projects with no real users quietly disappeared.

COMPLEX

Seasoned holders treat a bear market as an accumulation phase, buying steadily while frightened newcomers sell at a loss.

Last updated July 19, 2026