Go to the dogs

Definitions

• deteriorate or decline
  To describe something or someone that has fallen into a state of ruin or disarray, often due to neglect or mismanagement

• go out of business or fail
  To refer to a company or business that has ceased to operate or has gone bankrupt

• become wild or uncontrollable
  To describe a situation or behavior that has become chaotic or unruly, often with negative consequences

Examples of Go to the dogs

• The once thriving business has gone to the dogs.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where something that was previously successful or prosperous has now deteriorated significantly. The phrase "gone to the dogs" is derived from the belief that a animal left to itself would become a scavenger and live among garbage and debris ("dogs" here refers to scavenger dogs). In this context, the meaning can be interpreted as the business is now in a state of disrepair, mismanagement, or neglect, hence the phrase "gone to the dogs".

• After the scandal broke out, the politician's reputation went to the dogs.

  This idiom describes a situation where a person's reputation or character has deteriorated significantly. Just as the business described previously, the phrase "gone to the dogs" can be interpreted here as the politician's reputation is now in a state of disgrace, dishonor, or disrepute due to the scandal.

• The neglected building has gone to the dogs.

  This idiom is used to describe a place that has fallen into disrepair, disorder, or squalor. Just as the business and politician's reputation before, the phrase "gone to the dogs" here can be interpreted as the building is now in a dilapidated or deplorable state as a result of neglect.

• The once promising relationship has gone to the dogs.

  This idiom is used to describe a relationship that has deteriorated significantly. Just as the business and politician's reputation, as well as the building, the phrase "gone to the dogs" here can be interpreted as the relationship is now in a miserable or abysmal state due to various issues or problems.

• The once successful company has gone to the dogs due to poor management and declining profits.

  This idiom, "go to the dogs," means that something has deteriorated significantly and has become worse than it was before. In this case, the company, which was once successful, is now in a state of disarray due to poor leadership and financial instability, causing it to decline in value and prestige.

• After losing her job and her husband in the same week, Sarah felt like her life had gone to the dogs.

  This idiom, "go to the dogs," can also be used to describe a person's situation, especially when they are experiencing a lot of misfortune or hardship. In this case, Sarah's life has experienced a significant decline in fortunes, leaving her in a state of despair and uncertainty.

• The athlete's career had gone to the dogs after a series of injuries and poor performances.

  This idiom, "go to the dogs," can refer to a decline in a person's career or professional abilities. In this case, the athlete's injury-plagued run of form has left their career in disarray, causing their reputation and prospects to suffer.

• When the family pet suddenly became aggressive and unmanageable, everyone agreed that the dog had gone to the dogs.

  This idiom, "go to the dogs," is also used to describe a situation where something, in this case, a pet, has become unpredictable or unmanageable, causing trouble or problems for its owners. In this case, the dog's behavior has quickly deteriorated, making it difficult for the family to manage or control, causing frustration and concern.

Conclusion

The idiom "go to the dogs" has a negative connotation and is typically used to describe something or someone that has deteriorated or declined in quality or status. It can refer to a physical object, a person, or a situation. The expression is often used to convey a sense of disappointment or frustration with the current state of affairs.

In the first meaning, the idiom suggests that something has become ruined or neglected, symbolically representing the image of a dog that has been abandoned or mistreated. This could refer to a physical object, such as a house or a piece of furniture, that has fallen into a state of disrepair. It could also describe a person who has let themselves go and no longer takes care of their appearance or well-being.

The second meaning of "go to the dogs" implies that something has gone out of business or failed. This could refer to a company or organization that has collapsed due to poor management or financial difficulties. It could also describe a person's career or reputation that has suffered a significant setback.

The third and final meaning suggests that something has become wild or uncontrollable, like a pack of stray dogs. This could refer to a situation or behavior that has become chaotic or unruly, often leading to negative consequences. It could also describe a person who has become reckless or disobedient, disregarding social norms and causing trouble.

Origin of "Go to the dogs"

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to stem from the English phrase "to go to the dogs and to return to the dogs," which was used in the 16th century to describe a person's downfall. The phrase may have been influenced by the idea of hunting dogs that were once well-trained and obedient, but have now become wild and uncontrollable.

Another theory suggests that the idiom may have come from the practice of using dogs to hunt and track down animals, which was a popular form of entertainment in medieval times. As this activity became less common and eventually died out, the phrase may have evolved to symbolize something that has lost its purpose or usefulness.

Overall, the idiom "go to the dogs" has a long history and has been used in various contexts throughout the years. Its negative connotation remains consistent, conveying a sense of disappointment and failure.