: Often applied to failed deals, presentations, or projects.
: Some suggest a Native American origin, specifically among the Sioux, where "to go south" was a euphemism for dying. Related Concepts things_went_south
: Frequently used to describe a drop in stock market value or prices. : Often applied to failed deals, presentations, or projects
The phrase "things went south" is an American idiom that describes a situation that has failed, lost value, or worsened significantly. Meaning and Usage : To "go south" means to deteriorate or decline. Contexts : The phrase "things went south" is an American
: The most common theory is that on two-dimensional maps, North is up (associated with positive progress) and South is down (associated with decline).
: Describes general mishaps, such as a car breaking down during a trip or an injury during a match. Origin Theories
: Recorded use in financial circles dates back to at least 1920 , appearing in the Elgin Dairy Reporter regarding falling commodity prices. It gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and 1990s.