belly up
The phrase "belly up" is commonly used in informal contexts to describe failure or collapse, often with a vivid image of an overturned animal.
Definition
C1Business
(informal)Financially ruined or bankrupt.
Example
- The company went belly up after the market crash.
B2General
(informal)In a state of complete failure or collapse.
Example
- The project went belly up when the funding was cut.
B2Nature
Positioned with the underside facing upward, often indicating death or incapacity.
Example
- The fish was floating belly up in the aquarium.
C1Social
(informal)To approach or move close to something, typically a bar.
Example
- They bellied up to the bar and ordered drinks.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "belly up":
go belly-upbelly outtits upbell upbelly flopbutts upfall uptoes upbutt upbelly laughup the spoutupside downtumble upbug upturn turtlesit upgob upflip overup the stumpbung upbubble upbust upon the bumbust a gutbubble gutstick uphead upbowl upflat on one's backon one's backfront upfoul upturn upside downnut upbob upbear upbull uppork upcacked upon the uptanked uptuck upslip upbelly busterface downstand upstuff uppuddle upsit up withbang upsend upgulp upliquor upcome a croppersaddle upstiff upburst upride up onsmack upcack uptip backup the pole