The phrase "on the skids" refers to being in a state of decline or failing. The spelling of skids is /skɪdz/, where the "s" is voiceless and unvoiced, the "k" is velar and unvoiced, the "i" is short and lax, the "d" is dental and voiced, and the final "z" is voiced and unvoiced. The word skids originate from the wooden planks put down on a slippery surface to allow a sled or other vehicle to slide safely, but it's now commonly used to describe a downward spiral or a downfall.
"On the skids" is an idiomatic expression that originated in America in the early 20th century. This phrase is commonly used to describe a person, a business, or a situation that is experiencing a state of decline or deterioration. When something is "on the skids," it means that it is facing a downfall or heading towards failure.
Primarily used to refer to financial matters, such as a business going bankrupt or a person facing financial ruin, "on the skids" indicates a significant decline in fortune or prospects. It implies that the entity or individual in question is in a state of extreme difficulty or hardship.
However, the term can also be applied to non-financial situations. For example, a marriage or a relationship that is falling apart can be described as "on the skids." Similarly, a person's health or career may be characterized as being "on the skids" when facing continuous setbacks or challenges.
Overall, "on the skids" is a descriptive phrase that encapsulates the notion of something or someone that is in a state of decline or heading towards failure. It emphasizes a downward trajectory or a deteriorating condition and is often used to convey a sense of imminent collapse or decline.