go to seed
The phrase "go to seed" originates from the natural life cycle of plants but is also used idiomatically to describe deterioration or decline.
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Definition
B2Botany
(technical)To produce seeds after flowering, marking the end of the plant's growth phase.
Example
- The lettuce in the garden has gone to seed, so it's time to collect the seeds for next season.
B2General
(idiomatic)To deteriorate in condition, quality, or appearance, often due to neglect or aging.
Example
- After years of neglect, the old mansion has gone to seed.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "go to seed":
go to potseed downdie on the vinego to shitgo badsow one's wild oatsgo sourput out to pasturego to grasslet oneself gotil seedgo to pieceslay an egg