What does “Go south” mean?
"Go south" means to go in the opposite direction or to go downhill.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After getting lost, we had to go south to find our way back.
Example
The company's profits have been going south for the past few months.
Example
When the weather turned bad, our plans to go hiking quickly went south
Is “Go south” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go south” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Go south” effectively in context?
You can use "Go South" to describe a situation where something goes in the opposite direction or takes a turn for the worse. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this expression:
- 1Navigation
After getting lost, we had to go south to find our way back.
- 2Business
The company's profits have been going south for the past few months.
- 3Change of Plans
When the weather turned bad, our plans to go hiking quickly went south.
Similar phrases to “Go south”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go south” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go South" is unknown.
Is “Go south” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go South" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where things take a negative turn or go in the opposite direction than expected.
What tone does “Go south” have?
"Go South" conveys a tone of disappointment or frustration. It's often used when describing unexpected setbacks or unfavorable outcomes.
Can “Go south” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go South" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Our plans to go hiking quickly "went south" due to the bad weather.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, that went south!' to express disappointment.
