The phrase "go to the dogs" is an idiom that conveys the decline or deterioration of something, often referring to a situation or entity. It describes a scenario where a previously thriving or well-managed entity experiences a significant decline in quality, efficiency, or success.
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is thought to have its roots in ancient Greece, where dogs were seen as scavengers or scavenging animals that roamed the streets. In this context, the phrase represents the idea of a society or an organization becoming disorderly, chaotic, or neglected, paralleling the behavior of wandering, undisciplined dogs.
The phrase "go to the dogs" can be used to describe various scenarios. For example, it can describe a business that was once prosperous but has now fallen into financial hardship. It can also refer to a neighborhood or community that has deteriorated due to neglect or the presence of crime. Furthermore, it can describe personal situations such as an individual's decline in health, relationships, or overall well-being.
In summary, "go to the dogs" is an idiom describing the decline or deterioration of something, highlighting the loss of prosperity, order, or quality in a particular situation, organization, or entity.
