down the tubes: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘down the tubes’ mean?
The idiom "down the tubes" means that something has failed, been lost, or become unsuccessful.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "pour down the drain" means to waste or lose something valuable, especially time, effort, or resources, without any benefit or use. It conveys the idea of something being futile or ineffectual, as if it is being poured, or thrown away, down a drain with no possibility of retrieval.
The idiom "go down the tubes" means to fail or be ruined.
"Down the track" is an idiomatic expression that means something will happen or be resolved in the future, specifically referring to a later stage or point in time.
The idiom "down the toilet" means that something has been wasted or lost in a negative or unsuccessful way.
The idiom "down the road" means in the future or at a later time.
The idiom "down the pan" means that something has gone wrong or failed completely.
The idiom *down the line* means something will happen in the future, possibly after a series of events or a period of time has passed. It can also refer to consequences that occur as a result of a certain action or decision.
The idiom "down the drain" means that something has been wasted or lost, often due to a mistake or failure.
The idiom "down the cludgie" refers to something or someone going down the toilet, often used to describe a situation or plan that has failed or gone wrong.
The idiom "down on one's luck" means having a period of misfortune or bad luck.
The Mysterious Decline
"Down the tubes" is a commonly used expression in American English that conveys the idea of something going completely wrong or failing. It suggests a decline or deterioration in a situation, often in an abrupt or irreversible manner. While the exact origin of this idiom is unclear, it is widely used in different contexts.
One theory proposes that the idiom may have originated from the concept of liquid waste being flushed or going down the drain. This association with waste disposal could explain the negative connotation attached to the phrase. The idea of something descending or being discarded is metaphorically applied to situations or plans that have deteriorated or failed.
Another possibility is that the idiom emerged from the image of a tube being a conduit or pathway leading to a destination. When something goes "down the tubes," it implies a deviation from the intended path, resulting in failure or disappointment. The tube serves as a metaphorical representation of a plan or objective, indicating that it has veered off course or encountered obstacles preventing its successful completion.
The exact origin of the idiom remains uncertain, as there is no definitive evidence to support any specific theory. Nonetheless, it is widely recognized and used across different social and professional contexts. Its popularity can be attributed to its simplicity and clarity in conveying the concept of failure or decline. The idiom "down the tubes" has become a part of everyday language and is likely to continue being used.
Furthermore, the idiom's meaning is versatile, allowing it to be applied to a wide range of situations. It can describe the failure of personal plans, business endeavors, or even larger societal systems. The idiom serves as a succinct and impactful way to highlight the negative outcome of a specific circumstance.
The idiom can be utilized in both formal and informal settings, making it suitable for various types of communication. Whether in spoken or written language, its straightforwardness enables effective conveyance of disappointment or the collapse of expectations.
The idiom "down the tubes" is widely known and frequently used in American English. Its exact origin may be uncertain, but it conveys a sense of failure, decline, or dashed hopes. The idiom has become established in everyday language and can be applied to various contexts. Its simplicity and versatility contribute to its enduring usage. As language evolves, the continued presence of this idiom highlights its importance in expressing the concept of things going awry.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *down the tubes* can be used in a sentence:
- After months of hard work, his business went down the tubes.
- The project was a failure, and all our efforts went down the tubes.
- She made some poor financial choices, and now her savings are going down the tubes.
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