Down the tube Meaning in English
expression
ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtjub/, /ˈtub
DOWN-thuh-TOOB or DOWN-thee-TOOB or DOWN-thuh-TYOOB
dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /tjˈuːb
DOWN-thuh-TYOOB or DOWN-thee-TYOOB
Definition
This expression means something has failed, been wasted, or lost completely, especially after effort or planning.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; sometimes seen as 'down the tubes' (plural). Used for money, time, plans, or efforts that fail or are wasted. Similar to 'down the drain', but more colloquial. Rare in formal writing.
Spanish: al traste - a la basuraPortuguese (BR): por água abaixo - perdidoPortuguese (PT): por água abaixo - perdidoChinese (Simplified): 泡汤 - 失败Chinese (Traditional): 泡湯 - 失敗Hindi: बर्बाद हो जाना - बेकार जानाArabic: ذهب سدى - ضاع تماماًBengali: পানিতে গেছে - শেষ হয়ে গেছেRussian: коту под хвост - насмаркуJapanese: 水の泡になる - 台無しになるVietnamese: đổ sông đổ biển - tiêu tanKorean: 물거품이 되다 - 허사로 돌아가다Turkish: çöpe gitmek - boşa gitmekUrdu: ضائع ہو گیا - رائیگاں گیاIndonesian: sia-sia - terbuang percuma
Example Sentences
All our hard work went down the tube.
basic
The project went down the tube after the funding was cut.
basic
All his savings went down the tube.
basic
If the weather doesn't clear up, our picnic plans are down the tube.
natural
After that mistake, the deal went down the tube fast.
natural
Looks like my weekend plans are down the tube again!
natural