Phrase guide

go belly-up

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To die.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To fail or fold; especially, to be closed or shut down, or go out of business.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • I was sorry to hear that my favorite little restaurant went belly-up.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the tendency of fish to float upside down when they die.