go under: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go under’ mean?
The idiom go under means to sink or be submerged, either literally or metaphorically. It can refer to a ship sinking, going bankrupt, or succumbing to pressure or stress. It implies a negative outcome or failure.
Idiom Explorer
"Sinking ship" is an idiom that refers to a situation or organization that is failing or doomed to fail. It implies that one should abandon or distance themselves from the situation to avoid being negatively affected.
The idiom "keel over" means to suddenly fall over, usually due to extreme tiredness, illness, or shock. It can also be used figuratively to describe a sudden collapse or failure of something.
The idiom "hit below one's weight" means to perform at a level that is lower than expected or below one's usual standards. It is often used to describe someone who is not meeting their full potential or underperforming in a particular situation.
The idiom "go to ground" means to hide or disappear, especially when being pursued or facing a difficult situation. It can also imply seeking shelter or protection, similar to animals going to their burrows underground.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
The idiom "go south" means to decline, fail, or deteriorate. It is often used when describing a situation or a project that is no longer successful or going as planned.
The idiom "go down the tubes" means to fail or be ruined.
The idiom "go down the toilet" means to fail completely or be wasted, often used to describe a situation, plan, or investment that has gone wrong or lost its value.
Mysterious Depths Unveiled
The idiom “go under” is commonly used in English and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of failure, ruin, or defeat. It is often used to describe situations where someone or something is overwhelmed by circumstances and unable to thrive or succeed. Additionally, “go under” can also express going unnoticed or remaining hidden, implying a lack of visibility or recognition.
The idiom can also convey the concept of submerging or disappearing beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically. It can refer to going below the water or going into a concealed state. In a metaphorical sense, it can signify the act of concealing or hiding something, or even deliberately withdrawing from the public eye or removing oneself from a situation.
There are several related idioms that enhance the meaning and usage of “go under.” One such idiom is “sinking ship,” which describes a situation or organization that is failing or on the verge of collapse. Similarly, “go down the drain” and “go down the toilet” convey the idea of losing value or wasting resources. “go down the tubes” also implies a downward spiral or failure. Lastly, “go down in flames” suggests a dramatic and catastrophic failure.
When it comes to the idiom “go under,” its versatility makes it a valuable addition to one's idiomatic repertoire. It encompasses various nuanced meanings related to failure, ruin, disappearance, or going unnoticed. Its rich history and diverse usage across different English-speaking communities indicate its enduring relevance and significance in contemporary speech.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "go under" can be used in a sentence:
- He invested all his money in a risky venture and ended up going under.
- The company's financial difficulties forced it to go under and declare bankruptcy.
- The ship hit an iceberg and within minutes started to go under, leaving the passengers in a state of panic.
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