How Do You Spell DOWN THE TUBES?

Pronunciation: [dˌa͡ʊn ðə tjˈuːbz] (IPA)

The colloquial expression "down the tubes" means that something has failed or gone wrong. The IPA transcription of this phrase is /daʊn ðə tjubz/. The last word is spelled with a "t" and a "s" because it is a plural noun. The stress falls on the first syllable of "tubes". The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 1930s from an East Coast slang expression, "down the drain", which means the same thing.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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DOWN THE TUBES Meaning and Definition

  1. Down the tubes is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation or plan that has failed, collapsed, or become ruined. It is often associated with the idea of something going down a literal tube or drainage pipe, symbolizing a complete loss or downfall.

    When something goes down the tubes, it means that it has deteriorated or ended unfavorably, resulting in disappointment or a negative outcome. The phrase is typically used to describe a wide range of scenarios, ranging from personal endeavors to business ventures and even societal or political situations. For example, a failed business investment, a crumbling relationship, a collapsed project, or a ruined opportunity can all be described as going down the tubes.

    The term implies a sense of irreversibility and irretrievability. Once something has gone down the tubes, it is difficult or impossible to salvage or recover the original state or intended outcome. It denotes a complete loss or failure, often with significant negative consequences or implications.

    The origin of this expression remains uncertain, though it is believed to have derived from American slang in the mid-20th century. The image of something being flushed down the tubes conveys a vivid and easily relatable metaphor for the loss or ruin of a particular endeavor, making it a commonly used phrase in everyday language.

Common Misspellings for DOWN THE TUBES

  • sown the tubes
  • xown the tubes
  • cown the tubes
  • fown the tubes
  • rown the tubes
  • eown the tubes
  • diwn the tubes
  • dkwn the tubes
  • dlwn the tubes
  • dpwn the tubes
  • d0wn the tubes
  • d9wn the tubes
  • doqn the tubes
  • doan the tubes
  • dosn the tubes
  • doen the tubes
  • do3n the tubes
  • do2n the tubes
  • dowb the tubes
  • dowm the tubes

Idioms with the word DOWN THE TUBES

  • down the tubes The idiom "down the tubes" means that something has failed, gone wrong, or been ruined. It is often used to describe a situation or plan that has not worked out as expected or has come to a negative end.
  • flushed down the tubes To be wasted or lost; to go down the drain.
  • go down the tubes To deteriorate or fail completely.

Infographic

Correct spelling for down the tubes
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