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