screw the pooch

screw the pooch

vulgar slang To make a very serious, grievous, or irreversible mistake; to ruin something or cause something to fail due to such an error. I'm sorry, boss, I really screwed the pooch this time. Do you think we can get the clients back if I explain that it was all a misunderstanding because of me? This operation depends on you, so don't screw the pooch!
See also: pooch, screw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • all right
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • a thing of the past
  • a slew of (something)
  • a bird in the hand
References in periodicals archive
Those candidates who didn't rat race and screw the pooch on this prestigious exam, basically they didn't come up with proper preparation.