He said the general election «delivered a devastating result for the Labour party and the prospect of five bleak years ahead for our country». (theguardian.com)
For Elsie, Reba's questions are a stinging reminder of darker times: her life in Germany during that last bleak year of WWII. (bookbrowse.com)
Contemptuous Irresolution 2 February 2007 After the Senate's failure to do its job threatened scientists with a very bleak year ahead, Congress comes through with a last - minute reprieve. (sciencemag.org)