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Be/go up the spout

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Colloquial UsagePlay
Used in casual conversation, not in formal or written English. SlideI'm afraid our little plan has gone up the spout, hasn't it?
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Negative OutcomePlay
Implies a disappointment or an unexpected negative turn of events. SlideThe whole project went up the spout when the funding was cut.
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Sudden FailurePlay
Often used when something fails suddenly or unexpectedly. SlideThe deal went up the spout after the CEO quit.