Down the tubes meaning

"Down the tubes" means deteriorating or failing, with tubes symbolizing a negative or downward trajectory.


Down the tubes definitions

Word backwards nwod eht sebut
Part of speech This phrase is an idiom or colloquial expression and does not fit neatly into any traditional part of speech category. It is typically used as a phrase to indicate that something has failed or gone wrong.
Syllabic division down the tubes: down-the-tubes
Plural The plural of "down the tubes" would be "down the tubes." The phrase is typically used in a singular form, so there is no commonly used plural form.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) o,e,u
Consonants (7) d,w,n,t,h,b,s

Down the Tubes: Understanding the Meaning and Origin of the Phrase

When someone mentions that something has "gone down the tubes," they are typically referring to a situation or plan that has failed or ended badly. This common phrase is often used to express disappointment or frustration when things don't go as expected.

The Origin of "Down the Tubes"

The origin of the phrase "down the tubes" is a bit murky, but there are a few theories about where it came from. Some believe it originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and was initially used in a literal sense to describe something being flushed down a drain or tube. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a more metaphorical meaning, representing things that have failed or deteriorated.

Common Usage of the Phrase

Today, "down the tubes" is a commonly used idiom in English-speaking countries. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing a failed business venture to a ruined relationship. No matter the situation, when something has gone "down the tubes," it often implies a sense of finality or irreversibility.

While the exact origins of the phrase may be uncertain, its meaning is clear: when things go "down the tubes," they have taken a turn for the worse. Whether it's a project, a plan, or a relationship, the phrase is a succinct way to convey disappointment or frustration.

In Conclusion

Next time you hear someone say that something has gone "down the tubes," you'll know that they are expressing their disappointment or frustration with a situation that has taken a negative turn. Understanding the origins and common usage of this phrase can help you navigate conversations and better interpret the emotions behind the words.


Down the tubes Examples

  1. After years of hard work, his dreams of starting his own business went down the tubes when the economy crashed.
  2. The team's chances of winning the championship went down the tubes after their star player got injured.
  3. Her relationship with her best friend went down the tubes once they had a falling out over a misunderstanding.
  4. The company's reputation went down the tubes after a scandal involving their CEO was exposed.
  5. Their family vacation plans went down the tubes when their flight was canceled due to bad weather.
  6. The project's timeline went down the tubes when key team members unexpectedly quit.
  7. His health started to go down the tubes after he stopped taking care of himself.
  8. Their hopes of buying a house went down the tubes when they were denied a mortgage loan.
  9. The city's infrastructure went down the tubes after years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
  10. The once popular restaurant's business went down the tubes after a new competitor opened next door.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 18/05/2024 - 23:26:35