"Gone to seed" is a phrase used to describe something or someone that has deteriorated or declined in quality, appearance, or usefulness, often due to neglect or lack of proper care. It carries a negative connotation and is commonly used metaphorically to indicate that something or someone has lost their former vitality or potential.
The term originates from the image of a plant that has reached the end of its natural lifespan and stopped producing flowers or fruits. Instead, it goes through the process of producing seeds, which signals the end of its productive cycle. When a plant is "gone to seed," it is often tall, with withered or discolored leaves, and the spent blooms are replaced by clusters of seeds or pods.
Applied to non-living things or people, "gone to seed" implies a state of dilapidation, disarray, or deterioration. For example, a neglected property that is overgrown with weeds and lacking maintenance can be described as "gone to seed." Similarly, an individual who has let themselves go physically or has declined in their appearance and overall well-being may be said to have "gone to seed."
In a figurative sense, "gone to seed" can also refer to the loss of certain positive qualities, such as intelligence, talent, or success. It suggests a decline or regression, highlighting the failure to maintain certain standards or achieve one's potential.
