Go to rack and ruin Meaning in English
expression
Definition
An expression meaning to become badly damaged, ruined, or fall into a state of serious decline, often because of neglect.
Usage & Nuances
This is a somewhat formal or old-fashioned idiom. Commonly used for buildings, businesses, relationships, or institutions that decline due to neglect. Not used for people. Often appears as 'gone to rack and ruin' to describe something already ruined.
Example Sentences
The old house has gone to rack and ruin since no one lives there.
basic
Many factories in the area have gone to rack and ruin.
basic
If we stop taking care of the garden, it will go to rack and ruin.
basic
When I returned after ten years, I saw the town had gone to rack and ruin.
natural
They let their business go to rack and ruin by ignoring the problems.
natural
After the club lost its funding, it quickly went to rack and ruin.
natural