Idiom
go to pot
Meanings
To become neglected and deteriorate; to decline in quality or condition.
To stop functioning well or to lose organization and effectiveness (e.g., a project, group, or routine).
Definition
To go to pot means to become neglected and gradually fall into a poor condition.
If something goes to pot, it becomes run-down because nobody takes care of it. It often refers to places, organizations, plans, or habits that decline over time. In British English it is commonly used to express disappointment about standards getting worse.
Examples
- Since the landlord moved abroad, the building has gone to pot.
- Our fitness routine went to pot after the new baby arrived.
- The village shop has gone to pot since it changed owners.
- If we don’t keep up maintenance, the car will go to pot.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this idiom for a sudden failure, but it usually suggests a gradual decline due to neglect.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.