The phrase "more belly up" refers to a situation where something or someone has failed or gone wrong. It is spelled as /mɔːr ˈbɛli ʌp/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "more," is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a soft "r" sound. The second word, "belly," is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a pronounced "l" and a soft "y." The final word, "up," is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by a hard "p."
The phrase "more belly up" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or a business that has deteriorated or failed completely. It is often used in informal contexts to describe an individual or an organization that is experiencing financial or operational collapse.
When an entity is described as "belly up," it indicates that it has become bankrupt or insolvent, and is unable to meet its financial obligations. Adding "more" to the phrase intensifies this state, suggesting that the situation has worsened or that the entity is experiencing further decline. It implies that the entity is in a state of complete failure or ruin.
The use of "belly up" in this expression refers to the image of a dead fish floating upside down in water, exposing its stomach or belly upwards. This conveys the idea of vulnerability, powerlessness, and a complete lack of vitality or life. The phrase is often used in a figurative sense to describe the demise of a business or enterprise.
Overall, "more belly up" is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the complete failure or collapse of an individual or organization, often indicating financial ruin or insolvency.