下り坂

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 下り坂 is read as くだりざか and can mean “downhill slope” or “downward trend”, depending on context.
• Basic usage: The examples show a steep downhill road and a sales decline beginning in spring.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing senses and uses
  • It means a descending slope or a worsening trend; 下り坂になる figuratively marks entry into decline.