down the gutter

USAGE SUMMARY

"down the gutter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that has gone wrong or that has been ruined. For example: "All my hard work literally went down the gutter when my computer crashed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He consoles Rowena, a programmer who's getting a counseling degree at Montclair State, when she sends her ball down the gutter.

The New York Times

(That he arrived toting his own shoes and ball was probably a tip-off). He consoles Rowena, a programmer who's getting a counseling degree at Montclair State, when she sends her ball down the gutter.

The New York Times

Dropping a loonie and having it roll down the gutter feels like a devastating loss.

Vice

Dropping a money and having it roll down the gutter feels like a devastating loss.

Vice

You can think of this as taking down the gutter guards at the bowling alley.

WikiHow

Because do it yourself-ers just dump it down the gutter.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

No, he is my hero because of what he stands for today, as he continues to speak out against what he fears to be the loss of independent representation of the weakest, the most unpopular, those not merely down on their luck but down in the gutter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, water runs down into the gutter and freezes, clogging it.

The New York Times

I didn't go down in the gutter, in fact I was incredibly disciplined about it.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm not getting down in the gutter with Jay," he said.

The New York Times

I used to watch Cyril the Squirrel lean down from the gutter of the bike shed and scoff the lot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "down the gutter" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the negative descent or degradation you're describing. A clear subject and situation help convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "down the gutter" in contexts where a literal description of something going into a street gutter might be confused with the intended metaphorical meaning of decline or ruin. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down the gutter" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs indicating movement or decline. As Ludwig AI indicates, it implies that something has gone wrong, deteriorated, or been ruined. Examples show it modifying the verb 'went' (his reputation went down the gutter).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "down the gutter" is a prepositional phrase with a figurative meaning implying a decline, ruin, or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While grammatically sound, its informal register makes it more suitable for news, general writing, and less so for formal academic or professional contexts. Related phrases include "gone downhill" and "hit rock bottom". When using this phrase, clarity of context is essential to avoid misinterpretation, especially between literal and figurative meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone downhill

Implies a decline in quality, condition, or success.

hit rock bottom

Indicates reaching the lowest possible point in a negative situation.

on the skids

Indicates a downward spiral, often due to personal failings or misfortune.

in dire straits

Implies a difficult or dangerous situation, often financial.

in decline

Describes a gradual deterioration or loss of strength or vigor.

in a bad way

Suggests a state of poor condition or health, either physically or metaphorically.

gone to pot

Signifies a decline in quality or condition due to neglect.

in the depths

Refers to being in the lowest or most difficult part of a situation or experience.

in the doldrums

Suggests a state of inactivity, stagnation, or depression.

fallen into disrepair

Describes a state of neglect and deterioration.

FAQs

What does the expression "down the gutter" mean?

The expression "down the gutter" is a figure of speech used to describe a situation or thing that has deteriorated, declined, or become ruined. It often implies a loss of value, quality, or status.

How can I use "down the gutter" in a sentence?

You can use "down the gutter" to describe a variety of negative situations. For example: "After the scandal, his reputation went "down the gutter"." Or, "If we don't invest in this company, it will go "down the gutter"."

What are some alternatives to saying "down the gutter"?

Alternatives to "down the gutter" include "gone downhill", "hit rock bottom", or "in dire straits". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "down the gutter" in formal writing?

While "down the gutter" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to opt for more sophisticated and precise language, such as "deteriorated significantly" or "entered a period of decline."