The phrase "goes wrong" is comprised of two words, each of which follows regular English spelling conventions. "Goes" is spelled as it sounds, with the "oe" representing the long "o" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ɡəʊz/. "Wrong" also follows conventional spelling, with the "o" representing the long "o" sound and the "ng" representing the nasal "ng" sound, as in /rɒŋ/. Overall, the spelling of "goes wrong" accurately represents the pronunciation of the phrase.
The phrase "goes wrong" refers to a situation or event that deviates from its intended or expected course, leading to a negative or undesirable outcome. It describes the occurrence of an error, malfunction, or failure in a specific process, plan, or action. When something goes wrong, it means that there has been a breakdown or mistake that hinders the smooth progression or successful completion of a task or objective.
The term typically indicates that a previously functioning or planned situation has encountered an unexpected problem or obstacle, resulting in an unfavorable result. It can apply to a wide range of scenarios, such as projects, relationships, machines, systems, or even everyday activities. The consequences of something going wrong can vary in severity, ranging from minor setbacks to more significant and serious consequences.
When things go wrong, it often implies that one or more steps, procedures, or components involved in a process have not gone according to plan, leading to an undesired outcome. This can include actions or decisions taken by individuals, unforeseen circumstances, technical glitches, or external factors beyond one's control. Identifying and rectifying what went wrong is crucial in order to learn from the experience, make adjustments, and prevent similar issues in the future.
The phrase "goes wrong" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two commonly used words in the English language.
The word "goes" is derived from the Old English word "gās", which means "to proceed or travel". Over time, it has evolved to its present form.
Likewise, the word "wrong" comes from the Old English word "wrang", meaning "twisted or crooked". It has also undergone changes in spelling and pronunciation to its current meaning of "not correct or deviating from what is expected or intended".
When these two words are combined, "goes wrong" simply means that something does not proceed or progress as expected or intended. This phrase is used to describe situations that don't turn out as planned or go awry.