Pronunciation: [ɡˌə͡ʊ bˈɛlɪ ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "go belly up" means to fail or go bankrupt. The word "belly" is pronounced /ˈbɛli/ in IPA transcription, with the "e" being pronounced like "eh". The "u" in "up" is pronounced as /ʌp/, which is similar to the sound in the word "cup". The phrase "go belly up" might seem unusual in its wording, but it likely originated from the way fish float to the surface of the water when they die, exposing their bellies.
The phrase "go belly up" is an idiomatic expression used in informal language to convey the concept of a business, organization, or venture failing or going bankrupt. It typically refers to a situation where an entity's financial or operational struggles become insurmountable, leading to its closure or collapse.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the behavior of dead fish or animals floating belly up in the water. This imagery creates an analogy to the demise of a business or endeavor. The phrase "go belly up" often implies a sudden or unexpected failure, where there may be limited or no hope of recovery.
When a business goes belly up, it indicates that it cannot sustain its financial obligations or continue its operations due to factors such as mismanagement, excessive debt, declining demand, or economic downturns. The consequences of going belly up can include layoffs, asset liquidation, creditor lawsuits, and reputational damage.
The usage of this expression is not limited to just businesses; it can also be applied to other contexts, such as projects or personal endeavors. It reflects a broader sense of failure or collapse in various aspects of life.
In summary, "go belly up" signifies the failure or bankruptcy of a business, project, or undertaking, depicting the image of something floating lifelessly in the water. It conveys the concept of an entity facing insurmountable challenges and being unable to survive or recover.
