# go to the bow-wows

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-to-the-bow-wows
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To go to the dogs, to decline or deteriorate.

## Examples

- The old house has gone to the bow-wows.
- Since the new manager took over, the quality of service has really gone to the bow-wows.
- Observers noted that the once-prosperous neighborhood had gradually gone to the bow-wows due to years of neglect and lack of investment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.