The phrase "going to dogs" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a significant deterioration in quality or decline in standards. It implies a progressive degradation or decline in a particular aspect, entity, or situation, comparing it to a state commonly associated with dogs, such as chaos, disorder, or disarray. This idiomatic expression vividly portrays the negative transformation of something that was once considered well-kept or orderly into a state of deterioration or disintegration.
When used figuratively, "going to dogs" typically refers to the decline of a person, place, institution, or even a society. It suggests a loss of values, principles, or moral standards that characterize a healthy, well-functioning entity. For example, one might say that a once-respected educational institution is "going to dogs" if it consistently produces ill-prepared graduates or fails to uphold its academic reputation.
Moreover, "going to dogs" can also describe a decline in a physical environment, such as a neighborhood or community, previously known for its cleanliness, safety, or orderliness. This expression highlights the deterioration of these positive attributes and suggests an increasing prevalence of crime, neglect, or decay.
In summary, "going to dogs" denotes a downward spiral or degradation from a previously desired state, often associated with the chaos, disorder, or degradation typically attributed to dogs, further emphasizing the negative transformation being conveyed.
