Definition
To go to the dogs, to decline or deteriorate.
In Context
- "1896, Arthur G. Burgoyne, “Timon of Athens” in Shakespeare Up to Date, and Other Latter-Day Lyrics, Pittsburg: T. W. Nevin, p. 16, With lavish hand his cash he spent, And with lightning speed to the bow-wows went And into the gutter fell."
- "1912, James Oneal, Militant Socialism, Saint Louis: The National RipSaw Publishing Co., p. 28, The robber barons of the Middle Ages were perfectly sure that civilization would go to the bow-wows if they were interfered with."
- "His father died a couple of years ago—he was a Writer to the Signet in Edinburgh—and I fancy Robert has rather gone to the bow-wows since then. Got among a cheerful crowd down there, don't you know, and wasted his substance somewhat."