go downhill

1. Deteriorate, worsen, as in Ever since the recession began, the business has been going downhill. The figurative use of downhill for “decline” dates from the mid-1800s. Also see downhill all the way.

Example Sentences

But when, a decade into their union, she wins an Oscar and he doesn’t, things begin to go downhill fast.

From Los Angeles Times

"That's when everything started to go downhill," Lily said.

From BBC

She said Owens was a "complete charmer" when they first met and started to date but things started to go downhill within a matter of weeks.

From BBC

“With these businesses and the people who are still living here, we’ve got to keep them alive and healthy and safe so the community doesn’t go downhill.”

From Los Angeles Times

"But if we become complacent and go with the flow, that's when Pokémon will go downhill."

From BBC

Related Words

• decrease 
• depreciate 
• deteriorate 
• diminish 
• drop 
• dwindle 
• fail 
• fall 
• lower 
• recede 
• return 
• sag 
• shrink 
• sink 
• slide 
• wane 
• weaken 
• worsen