go south

1. Deteriorate or decline, as in The stock market is headed south again. This expression is generally thought to allude to compasses and two-dimensional maps where north is up and south is down. However, among some Native Americans, the term was a euphemism for dying, and possibly this sense led to the present usage. [Slang; first half of 1900s] Also see go west.

Example Sentences

When things go south, they get drawn in deeper — Cane, reluctantly, and Harlan, almost enthusiastically.

From Los Angeles Times

The final-round trip west has seen English touring hopes go south before.

From BBC

The presence of firearms can make even routine calls go south quickly, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

But Postecoglou's return will have some fans pondering what might have been had he never received an offer to go south.

From BBC

“He could be a superb commissioner, or this could go south really fast.”

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• abandon 
• depart 
• die 
• die out 
• dissipate 
• dissolve 
• escape 
• evaporate 
• expire 
• fade 
• flee 
• fly 
• go 
• leave 
• melt 
• perish 
• recede 
• retire 
• retreat 
• sink