go to the dogs

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Definition

Verb phrase (idiomatic): - To deteriorate severely; to decline into a very poor or ruined state: This phrase describes a situation, organization, place, or person that has become much worse than before, often implying a state of decay, failure, or moral decline.

Usage

This phrase is informal and often used to express a strong, sometimes hyperbolic, opinion about a negative change. It is typically used in the simple past or present perfect tense to describe the completion of this decline. - It is used to talk about businesses, institutions, neighborhoods, or even a person's condition or morals. - The phrase carries a tone of finality and often disappointment or disapproval.

Examples
  • Verb phrase:
    • Ever since the new management took over, the company has gone to the dogs. (The company has severely declined in quality or success.)
    • This neighborhood has really gone to the dogs; it's not safe anymore. (The area has deteriorated.)
    • He used to be a great athlete, but his health has gone to the dogs since he stopped training. (His physical condition has worsened dramatically.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to go to the dogs": The standard form, as defined and exemplified above.
  • The phrase is often used in a comparative sense, contrasting a better past with a worse present.
Variants and Related Words
  • Go to pot (verb phrase, idiomatic): A synonym with the same meaning of becoming ruined or deteriorating. Example:
  • Go downhill (verb phrase): To gradually worsen in quality or condition. This is less severe and final than "go to the dogs." Example:
  • Deteriorate (verb): The formal, non-idiomatic equivalent meaning to become progressively worse.
  • Decline (verb/noun): To decrease in quality, power, or strength; a gradual loss of quality.
Synonyms
  • Deteriorate
  • Decline
  • Degenerate
  • Go downhill
  • Go to pot
  • Go to ruin
Related Idioms
  • Go to seed: To become old, unattractive, or in poor condition, often through neglect. While similar, it often applies more to appearance or personal condition (e.g., a garden, a person's looks) rather than abstract concepts like businesses or morals.
    • The grand old mansion has gone to seed.
  • Hit rock bottom: To reach the lowest possible point or state. This emphasizes the final, worst state rather than the process of decline.
    • After losing his job, he hit rock bottom.
Verb
  1. become ruined
    • His business went to pot when economy soured

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