Go to the dogs
Meaning
To deteriorate rapidly, fall into a state of disrepair, or become utterly ruined.
Origin
In 19th-century England, the phrase 'go to the dogs' captured the grim reality of a swift and severe decline. It vividly painted a picture of something once valuable or respected being utterly discarded and left to the street dogs, who were the ultimate scavengers of refuse and scraps. A person or thing that 'went to the dogs' was considered completely ruined, no longer fit for polite society or any useful purpose, much like the garbage that would be tossed out for stray curs to fight over in the alleys and gutters. This stark image of abandonment and decay quickly became a common idiom for utter ruination.
Examples
- After the factory closed, the entire town began to go to the dogs, with shops shutting down and homes falling into disrepair.
- She feared her once-thriving business would go to the dogs if she didn't implement new marketing strategies quickly.