go down the wrong way: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go down the wrong way’ mean?
The idiom "go down the wrong way" means to do or say something that is inappropriate, offensive or causes discomfort to others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jump down someone's throat" means to angrily and aggressively criticize or confront someone about something they have said or done.
The idiom "in the wrong place at the wrong time" means being in a situation where something bad happens due to unfortunate timing or circumstances.
The idiom "head south" means to go in the wrong direction or to experience a decline or failure.
When it comes to the idiom "head south," there are a few things we know for sure. This expression is commonly used in the United States and is typically used to imply that something is going in the wrong direction or turning out unfavorably. The idea of going "south" in this sense implies moving away from the desired or intended course.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
The idiom "go down the tubes" means to fail or be ruined.
The idiom "go down the toilet" means to fail completely or be wasted, often used to describe a situation, plan, or investment that has gone wrong or lost its value.
The idiom "go down the road" means to pursue a particular course of action or explore a certain path or avenue in life.
The idiom "go down the pan" means to fail or deteriorate significantly.
Peculiar Path Unraveled
The idiom "go down the wrong way" is a common English expression used to describe the uncomfortable or unpleasant swallowing of something. It is often used metaphorically to convey discomfort in various situations, not just when ingesting food or drink.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century, where similar expressions like "go the wrong way" or "go against the grain" were commonly used. However, the exact etymology of "go down the wrong way" remains unclear. It likely emerged from the association of swallowing food or drink against its natural path with feelings of discomfort and unease.
Furthermore, it is important to note that this idiom is not limited to any specific culture or region and is widely understood by English speakers worldwide. It is primarily used in informal conversations and is less frequently encountered in formal or academic settings.
In addition to describing uncomfortable swallowing experiences, the idiom can also be used metaphorically. For example, it can be employed to depict instances where a decision or action leads to unintended or undesirable consequences.
The idiom "go wrong" is related to "go down the wrong way" and conveys a similar meaning of something going awry or not going as planned. It is another way to describe situations where things do not turn out as expected or desired.
An alternative related idiom is "go down that road," which refers to making a decision or taking a course of action that has been proven to have negative consequences in the past. It warns against repeating past mistakes or following a path that is likely to lead to problems.
Another related idiom is "do down," which means to criticize or treat someone unfairly or unkindly. While not directly linked to "go down the wrong way," it shares the theme of negative experiences or outcomes.
The idiom "go down the wrong way" is a widely understood expression that describes uncomfortable swallowing experiences, but can also be used metaphorically in other contexts. Its origins remain somewhat mysterious, but it has become an integral part of everyday language for English speakers worldwide.
Example usage
Examples:
- She went down the wrong way in the one-way street and got a ticket.
- He went down the wrong way by quitting his job without having another one lined up.
- We went down the wrong way when we chose that restaurant for dinner; the food was terrible.
The idiom "go down the wrong way" is often used to describe situations where someone makes a mistake, takes a wrong path, or makes a poor decision. It can be used in various contexts, such as driving, career choices, or everyday decisions.
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