Phrase guide

go to the bow-wows

verb · 1 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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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To go to the dogs, to decline or deteriorate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • 1896, Arthur G. Burgoyne, “Timon of Athens” in Shakespeare Up to Date, and Other Latter-Day Lyrics, Pittsburg: T. W. Nevin, p. 16, With lavish hand his cash he spent, And with lightning speed to the bow-wows went And into the gutter fell.
  • 1912, James Oneal, Militant Socialism, Saint Louis: The National RipSaw Publishing Co., p. 28, The robber barons of the Middle Ages were perfectly sure that civilization would go to the bow-wows if they were interfered with.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.