go downhill: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "go down the toilet" is a related idiomatic phrase that shares a similar meaning with "go downhill." Both phrases are used to describe a negative change or decline in a situation. "Go down the toilet" is commonly used to emphasize a significant and sudden deterioration or failure. This phrase is often used to describe the loss of value, quality, or success in a particular endeavor.

When something goes down the toilet, it suggests that it is irretrievable or beyond repair. This idiom is often used to express frustration or disappointment regarding a situation or outcome that was once promising but has now taken a turn for the worse. For example, one might say, "After the company's bankruptcy, all their plans for expansion went down the toilet." This usage conveys the idea of a complete and irreversible loss or failure.

Similarly, the idiom "go down the drain" also shares a similar meaning with "go downhill." This phrase is commonly used to describe the waste or loss of something valuable or significant. When something goes down the drain, it suggests that it has been wasted or lost without any chance of recovery or redemption.

The phrase "go down the drain" is often used to express the frustration and disappointment that comes from seeing effort, time, or resources being wasted. For example, one might say, "All my hard work and preparation for the exam went down the drain when I got sick the night before." This usage conveys a feeling of disappointment and the negation of efforts put into a particular endeavor.

The idioms "go down the toilet" and "go down the drain" share a similar meaning with "go downhill." They all convey a negative change or decline in a situation, but each one emphasizes different aspects of the decline. While "go downhill" is a more general and broad-spectrum phrase, "go down the toilet" and "go down the drain" highlight the irreversibility and waste associated with the decline.

It is important to note that these idioms are informal expressions and are best used in casual or conversational settings. Additionally, their usage may vary based on regional or cultural factors, so it is always a good idea to consider the context and audience when using these phrases.

The versatility and expressiveness of these idiomatic phrases make them valuable tools for effective communication in American English. Whether it is describing a personal setback, a decline in quality, or the loss of valuable resources, these idioms capture the essence of negative change with a touch of familiar and relatable language.