A2Informal

Auf den Hund kommen

To go to the dogs; to fall on hard times

In German

Auf den Hund kommen

aʊ̯f deːn hʊnt ˈkɔmən

Literal Translation

To come on the dog

Meaning

To go to the dogs; to fall on hard times

Equivalent:"To go to the dogs; to fall on hard times"

Origin:This idiom probably refers to the practice in mining where old, worn-out horses were replaced by dogs to pull carts, symbolizing decline. Another theory suggests it refers to a dog's life, which was often hard.

Example Sentences

1
Seit er seinen Job verloren hat, ist er total auf den Hund gekommen.
Since he lost his job, he's totally gone to the dogs.
2
Die alte Fabrik ist leider völlig auf den Hund gekommen.
The old factory has unfortunately completely gone to the dogs.

FAQ

How do you say "To go to the dogs; to fall on hard times" in German?

"To go to the dogs; to fall on hard times" in German is "Auf den Hund kommen" (aʊ̯f deːn hʊnt ˈkɔmən). Example: Seit er seinen Job verloren hat, ist er total auf den Hund gekommen..

To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions

Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen

YE-man-dem owf den TSAHN FY-len

To postpone or temporarily suspend something

Etwas auf Eis legen

ET-vas auf AYS LAY-gen

To pull someone's leg, to tell someone a tall tale or lie

Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden

YE-man-dem AY-nen BEH-ren owf-BIN-den

To wait and see; to be patient

Abwarten und Tee trinken

ˈapvaʁtn̩ ʊnt teː ˈtʁɪŋkn̩