go to rack and ruin

Related to go to rack and ruin: wrack and ruin

go to rack and ruin

cliché To fall into severe or total decay, degradation, or ruination, as from disuse or lack of upkeep. ("Rack" here is a variant spelling of "wrack," a now-archaic word meaning wreckage or destruction.) It greatly pains me that my grandfather's estate has been left to go to rack and ruin. If only we'd been able to afford for someone to look after it for all these years. The neighbor's property has really gone to rack and ruin lately. I'm thinking about filing a complaint with the neighborhood association!
See also: and, go, rack, ruin
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go to rack and ruin

 and go to wrack and ruin
to become ruined. (The words rack and wrack mean "wreckage" and are found only in this expression.) That lovely old house on the corner is going to go to rack and ruin. My lawn is going to wrack and ruin.
See also: and, go, rack, ruin
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go to rack and ruin

If something goes to rack and ruin, it gets into a very bad state, because nobody looks after it or deals properly with it. This beautiful building was left to go to rack and ruin. The country is going to rack and ruin under this government. Note: You can also say that something falls into rack and ruin During these years, historical monuments were allowed to fall into rack and ruin. Note: The expression rack and ruin can also be used without these verbs. According to Michael, the whole country's heading for rack and ruin. Note: Less commonly, this expression is spelt wrack and ruin. A once magnificent country house has now fallen into wrack and ruin. Note: `Wrack' means the same as `wreck', something that has been destroyed.
See also: and, go, rack, ruin
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

go to rack and ruin

gradually deteriorate in condition because of neglect; fall into disrepair.
Rack is a variant spelling of the word wrack , meaning ‘destruction’, but it is the standard one in this expression, which has been in use since the late 16th century.
1998 Oldie The allotment below mine looks set to go to rack and ruin from its previous well-tended state.
See also: and, go, rack, ruin
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

go to ˌrack and ˈruin

get into bad condition because of lack of care: The house has gone to rack and ruin over the last few years. The country is going to rack and ruin under this government.
Rack in this idiom means ‘destruction’.
See also: and, go, rack, ruin
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be careful what you wish for(, it might (just) come true)
  • do not try this at home
  • reliance
  • reliance on
  • reliance on (someone or something)
  • a sight to behold
  • be all Greek to someone
  • Greek to me
  • Greek to me, it's
  • (it's) (all) Greek to me
References in periodicals archive
THE cash-strapped NHS is wasting millions of pounds every year by letting thousands of buildings go to rack and ruin.
NHS WASTES MILLIONS IN HOMES SCANDAL
The Old Grammar School and Whitefriars Monastery should not be left to go to rack and ruin.
Pen points
IT is scandalous that the Borough Theatre on Wallsend High Street, dark for many a long year, is being allowed to go to rack and ruin when it could be brought back to life as have many other old theatres around the country that continue to serve the public for a variety of tastes.
Theatrical gem that must be preserved; VOICE OF THE NORTH
This once fine building, once the home of Lindley mill owner John Sykes, has been allowed to go to rack and ruin since it was vacated by Kirklees staff four years ago.
Fieldhead eyesore; Mailbag
Vandalised cemeteries and graveyards left to go to rack and ruin have become a growing concern for clergy and the public alike.
Friends offer a pledge
I feel strongly that if, as a homeowner, I had let my house go to rack and ruin the council would have taken action but no-one there appears to be interested.
Letter: Fury over land