go under
The phrase 'go under' has multiple meanings, often used in contexts related to failure, submersion, or identity.
Definition
B1General
(common)To sink below the surface of water or another liquid.
Example
- The ship began to go under after hitting the iceberg.
- He went under the water and didn't come up for several seconds.
B2Business
(informal)To fail financially or become bankrupt.
Example
- Many small businesses went under during the recession.
- If we don't get more clients, we might go under.
B2General
(common)To be overwhelmed or defeated by a difficult situation.
Example
- He went under from the stress of his new job.
- The team went under due to lack of coordination.
B2Identity
(informal)To be known by a different name or pseudonym.
Example
- He goes under the name of DJ Max.
- The author went under a pen name to keep her identity secret.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "go under":
go undergroundcome undergo downsuck undergo intobring undergo ingo to groundfall throughgo down withfall intotake a divego darkgo throughgo bygo belly-upcave infall todrop intodrop behindgo southknock underdown undergo overduck downto gocome downenter intocome from belowgo down the toiletmove downfall downgo in ongo by the boardgo upget down