IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishgo to rack and ruin
Meaning: To fall into a state of decay through neglect.
Example: “The old manor has gone to rack and ruin.”
Origin: "Rack" is a variant of "wrack," meaning destruction. The alliterative pair is found from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Slovenian: Iti rakom žvižgat Literally: To go whistle to the crayfish
French: Tomber en quenouille Literally: To fall to the distaff
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- left high and dry Stranded or abandoned without help.
- at a snail's pace Very slowly.
- no picnic Not easy or pleasant.
- the lean years A period of hardship and scarcity.
- worship the golden calf To value money and wealth above everything.
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