seed (redirected from ran to seed)

go to seed 

1. and run to seed Lit. [for a plant] to grow long enough to produce seed; [for a plant] to spend its energy going to seed. The lettuce went to seed and we couldn't eat it. Plants like that ought not to be allowed to go to seed.

2. and run to seed Fig. [for a lawn or a plant] to produce seeds because it has not had proper care. You've got to mow the grass. It's going to seed. Don't let the lawn go to seed. It looks so—seedy!

3. Fig. [for something] to decline in looks, status, or utility due to lack of care. (The same as run to seed.) This old coat is going to seed. Have to get a new one. The front of the house is going to seed. Let's get it painted.

Good seed makes a good crop.

Prov. Starting with good materials will help you get good results. Jill: Elsie and Jim are going to have a baby. Jane: I'm sure it will be a good child, since they're both such good people. Good seed makes a good crop. I am sure Robert's business will flourish. He's capable and honest, and good seed makes a good crop.

See also: crop, good, make

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go/run to seed

to stop taking care of your appearance so that you no longer look attractive I almost didn't recognize John. He's really gone to seed since his wife left him.

seed money  (American & Australian)

money that is used to start a business or other activity With $250,000 in seed money they started to recruit executives and advisers for their new venture.

See also: money

sow the seeds of something

to do something that will cause an unpleasant situation in the future He may be sowing the seeds of his own destruction by using violence against his people.

See also: sow

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go to seed

to get into a much worse condition I almost didn't recognize John. He's really gone to seed since his wife left him.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of plants that go to seed (stop producing flowers and start producing seeds)

plant a seed

to do something that will develop more in the future I'm not just trying to sell tickets, I hope to plant a seed that will build audiences for opera.

See also: plant

sow the seeds (of something) also plant the seeds

to do something that will cause a particular result in the future Religious conflict sowed the seeds of the government's downfall. Officials say they are planting the seeds for freedom and democracy.

See also: sow