go belly up

/ɡˌəʊ bˈɛlɪ ˈʌp/

/ɡˌoʊ bˈɛli ˈʌp/

[phrase]

to go belly up

[PHRASE]

(of a company, organization, plan, etc.) to experience a complete failure

What is the origin of the idiom "go belly up" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go belly up" is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of a dead fish floating on its back with its belly exposed, which is a sign of death or failure. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where a business or venture fails, often resulting in significant financial losses or bankruptcy. The phrase can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where something comes to an abrupt end or fails to meet expectations.

Examples

1. The bank had invested heavily in risky loans, which eventually caused it to go belly up.

2. They are also endangered, which is a problem, because without eels, river ecosystems go belly up, resulting in lower water quality.

3. Fish would inexplicably go belly up, birds flashed into the ground and cats would foam at the mouth and jump into the sea.

4. Right when this institution was about to go belly up, the government does this huge equity infusion and essentially takes over the company.

Nearby words

go down like a lead balloon