Failure - Deterioration

Discover how English idioms like "on the ropes" and "fan the flames" relate to deterioration in English.

review-disable

review

flashcard-disable

flashcard

spelling-disable

spelling

quiz-disable

quiz

start-learning
Failure

to intensify a disagreement or argument

Ex: She always adds fuel to the fire by gossiping about others .

to worsen a bad situation by doing or saying something hurtful or disrespectful, in addition to the harm that has already been caused

Ex: She is adding insult to injury by laughing at him while he 's down .

to worsen a bad, unpleasant, or dangerous situation for someone or something

Ex: She is fanning the flames of the argument by not admitting her mistake .

to rapidly and irreversibly deteriorate or decline in a manner that is likely to result in a bad outcome or failure

Ex: The project went to hell in a handbag because of the team 's lack of coordination .

to deteriorate or decline significantly

Ex: The company is going to the dogs by losing its market share to competitors .

to unintentionally do something that harms oneself or one's own interests

Ex: She is shooting herself in the foot by missing all her deadlines .

a situation in which one gets affected by two unpleasant or unfortunate events that happen at once

Ex: She experienced a double whammy of losing her job and getting into a car accident .

in a very poor condition or near the end of their lifespan or usefulness

Ex: The old car is on its last legs and needs to be replaced soon .

very likely to be defeated or completely fail

Ex: The boxer was on the ropes after being knocked down twice in the first round .

used to describe someone who is really tired after an exhaustive physical activity

Ex: The car was looking worse for wear after being in a collision .

used to indicate that a situation is about to become tense, difficult, or critical

Ex:

to suddenly and completely stop, often in a dramatic or unexpected manner, implying a sense of frustration, disappointment, or failure

Ex: The construction project came to a grinding halt due to a shortage of building materials .

to slowly come to a complete stop after gradually losing speed or power

Ex: They have been working hard , but the company 's growth has ground to a halt in recent months .

to become ruined or destroyed, often due to a person's own actions or neglect

Ex: They have been neglecting their responsibilities , and their business has gone to the Devil as a result .