Go to the dogs

Meaning

The idiom "go to the dogs" means to let things deteriorate or to go into decline. It can also mean to be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve a goal, even if it means taking risks or making sacrifices. Example sentences:

• If we don't finish this project on time, our boss is going to let us all go to the dogs.
• We had to make some tough decisions in order to keep the business from going to the dogs.
• He was willing to go to the dogs to win the game.
• The city's infrastructure has deteriorated to the point where it's almost like we're living in a third-world country.
• The economy is struggling and there are fears that we could all go to the dogs if something isn't done soon.

Usage

The usage of "go to the dogs" can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a serious or joking way, depending on the speaker's intent. In a serious context, it may be used to convey a sense of urgency or importance, while in a more lighthearted context, it may be used as a colorful expression or exaggeration. Example sentences:

• We can't let this project go to the dogs - we need to finish it on time.
• I wouldn't wish for anything to happen to the company - I don't want it to go to the dogs.
• If you want to win the game, you have to be willing to go to the dogs and take some risks.
• It's been a tough year for us, but we won't let things go to the dogs - we'll keep fighting until the end.
• We need to take action now before the economy goes to the dogs.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "go to the dogs" is uncertain, but there are several theories about where it comes from. One theory suggests that it dates back to the early days of the automobile industry, when cars were still expensive and only a wealthy person could afford one. If a car broke down or was damaged, it would be considered a loss and the owner might say something like "I guess I'll let the car go to the dogs." Another theory suggests that the idiom comes from the practice of euthanizing animals that were sick or injured. If an animal couldn't be saved, it might be put down and said to have gone to the dogs. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to include a wider range of situations beyond just cars or animals. It can now be used in any context where things are deteriorating or going into decline.

Synonyms in English

• Let things slide
• Let things go downhill
• Go into decline
• Be in a bad state
• Take a turn for the worse

Synonyms in other languages

• En français: "Passer à la mer" - This phrase means to let something go too far or to let things get out of hand. It can also mean to give up or to accept defeat.
• In Spanish: "Dejar de ser" - This phrase means to stop being something or someone, such as a good person or a loyal friend. It can also mean to let things go to the dogs.
• In Italian: "Mandare al cacciatore" - This phrase means to leave something unfinished or incomplete. It can also mean to give up on something or to abandon a project.
• In German: "Die Flöte zum Kippen lassen" - This phrase means to let things go wrong or to make mistakes. It can also mean to let things deteriorate or to go into decline.
• In Dutch: "Iets laten vallen" - This phrase means to let something happen or to accept fate. It can also mean to let things go too far or to give up on something.

Similar Idioms

• go by the book

• get a life

• take the bull by the horns