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Idiom

go to pot

idiom (verb phrase) B2
/ˈɡoʊ tə ˈpɑt/

Meanings

idiom (verb phrase)

To become neglected and gradually deteriorate; to fall into disrepair.

Visual cue for go to pot — meaning 1
idiom (verb phrase)

To decline in quality, effectiveness, or organization over time.

Visual cue for go to pot — meaning 2

Definition

If something goes to pot, it becomes neglected and gradually gets worse or falls into disrepair.

To go to pot means to deteriorate because it is not cared for or managed properly. It often describes a place, a project, or a situation that used to be in good condition but is now getting messy, broken, or ineffective. It can also describe a person’s habits or health declining over time.

Examples

  • After the manager left, the whole department started to go to pot.
  • If we don’t maintain the garden, it’ll go to pot by midsummer.
  • Their friendship began to go to pot when they stopped talking regularly.
  • The old theater has gone to pot since it closed.
  • My workout routine goes to pot whenever I travel.