Go downhill Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈdaʊnˈhɪɫ
GOH down-HILL
ɡˈəʊ/ /ˈdaʊnˌhɪl
gOH down-HILL
Definition
To become worse, decline in quality, condition, or success. This phrase is usually used about situations, health, or performance.
Usage & Nuances
"Go downhill" is informal and used in both spoken and written English. Often refers to gradual decline. Not typically used for literal movement; it's a metaphor, especially for health, business, or relationships.
Spanish: empeorar - ir cuesta abajo (figurado)Portuguese (BR): piorar - ir ladeira abaixo (figurado)Portuguese (PT): piorar - ir por água abaixo (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 变糟 - 情况恶化Chinese (Traditional): 變糟 - 情況惡化Hindi: बिगड़ना - नीचे जाना (रूपक)Arabic: يتدهور - يسوءBengali: অবনতি হওয়া - খারাপ হওয়াRussian: ухудшаться - идти на спадJapanese: 悪化するVietnamese: xuống dốc - trở nên tệ hơnKorean: 악화되다 - 내리막길을 걷다Turkish: kötüye gitmek - kötüleşmekUrdu: بگڑ جانا - زوال پذیر ہوناIndonesian: menurun - memburuk
Example Sentences
After her illness, her health started to go downhill.
basic
Business can go downhill if you don't pay attention.
basic
Their friendship began to go downhill after the argument.
basic
Everything just seemed to go downhill once the manager left.
natural
If you stop maintaining your car, it's going to go downhill fast.
natural
Our team's performance has really gone downhill this season.
natural