go down the tubes Definition

tube
noun

1. A long hollow cylinder which can be flexible or rigid and which is designed for holding or conveying air, liquids, etc. See also inner tube.

Thesaurus: hose, pipe, shaft, duct, spout, conduit.
2. A body structure of similar shape and design in an animal or plant.

Example: bronchial tubes
3. A squeezable, approximately cylindrical container that is made from soft metal or plastic with a cap at one end, and that contains a paste, a semi-liquid substance, etc.
(Brit)
4a. An underground railway system, especially the London one;
(Brit)
4b. An underground train. Compare subway.

Form: tube train (in full)
5a. A cathode ray tube;
5b. colloq
A television set.
(N Amer)
6. A thermionic valve.
7. surfing.
The rounded hollow that a breaking wave forms between its crest and the trough.
Example: tried to shoot the tube
8. colloq
An extremely stupid person.

verb tubed, tubing

1. To fit with a tube or tubes.
2. To enclose in a tube.

Derivative: tubal
adj

Derivative: tubed
adj

Derivative: tubelike
adj

Derivative: tubiform
adj

Idiom: go down the tubes

colloq
To fail dismally; to be ruined.

Etymology: 17c: from Latin tubus pipe.