What does “Go to the Dogs” mean?
"Go to the Dogs" means to decline or deteriorate significantly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the company went bankrupt, everything really went to the dogs.
Example
The neighborhood used to be nice, but it has gone to the dogs in recent years.
Example
Once a thriving business, it has now gone to the dogs due to mismanagement
Is “Go to the Dogs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go to the Dogs” 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 to the Dogs” effectively in context?
You can use "Go to the Dogs" to describe a situation or place that has declined or deteriorated significantly. It emphasizes the negative change and suggests that things have become chaotic, disorganized, or of poor quality. For example, if you want to express your disappointment with a restaurant that used to be good but has now become terrible, you might say, 'This place has really gone to the dogs.'
- 1Neighborhood
The neighborhood used to be nice, but it has gone to the dogs in recent years.
- 2Business
Once a thriving business, it has now gone to the dogs due to mismanagement.
- 3Company
After the company went bankrupt, everything really went to the dogs.
Similar phrases to “Go to the Dogs”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go to the Dogs” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go to the Dogs" is unknown.
Is “Go to the Dogs” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go to the Dogs" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their disappointment or frustration with a significant decline in quality or condition.
What tone does “Go to the Dogs” have?
"Go to the Dogs" conveys a tone of disappointment or frustration. It suggests a negative change and implies a sense of chaos or disorder.
Can “Go to the Dogs” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go to the Dogs" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a significant decline or deterioration. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'The neighborhood has really gone to the dogs.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Everything has "gone to the dogs"!' to express disappointment.
