What does this idiom mean: "Down-hearted"?

[Schoolboy]

Test No. express/inter-1 "Up to his ears", question 6

The opposition in parliament accused the government of playing games and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation.

(a) being light hearted
(b) being heavy hearted
(c) being down hearted
(d) being faint hearted

Test No. express/inter-1 "Up to his ears", answer 6

The opposition in parliament accused the government of being light hearted and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation.

Correct answer: (a) being light hearted

Hi Alan! Tell me ,please the meaning of "down -hearted"
Thank you
Schoolboy :oops:

[Alan]

Hi,

It means unhappy, dejected, miserable.

Alan
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[Martina]

Please show me the meaning of "being light hearted" ,I don't understand this sentence.

[Alouette]

Me neither, I don't understand what do all those 4 options mean. Please explain it to me. Thank you so much!

[Imaginaryworld]

i'll really appreciate it if you elaborate more on the answer:)

[Beeesneees]

being light-hearted: not taking things very seriously; making a joke out of a situation; happy, cheerful, carefree.

heavy-hearted is the opposite: miserable, unhappy and dejected.
down-hearted: having lost all hope
faint-hearted: being timid, lacking courage.

As the opposition accused them of 'not taking things seriously' then light-hearted is the option which fits.
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