be in free fall
To be experiencing a sudden, rapid, and uncontrollable decline (e.g., in value, reputation, success, etc.) that continues unabated for an indefinite length of time. The stock market was in free fall after the housing market collapsed. John's life has been in free fall ever since he lost his job. After getting busted by the police last year, Albert's life has been in free fall.
go into free fall
To experience a sudden, rapid, and uncontrollable decline (e.g., in value, reputation, success, etc.) that continues unabated for an indefinite length of time. The stock market went into free fall after the housing market collapsed. After getting busted by the police last year, John's life has gone into free fall. I think Albert's life went into free fall as soon as he lost his job.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
go into freefall
JOURNALISMCOMMON If the value or level of something goes into freefall, it starts to fall very quickly. A massive £8bn was wiped off values, and the pound went into freefall. Fears are now widespread that shares could go into freefall before Christmas. Note: You can also say that the value or level of something is in freefall. Perot's ratings were in freefall, his election campaign a disaster. Note: You can also say that the value or level of something freefalls. His career seemed about to freefall into oblivion. Note: In parachuting, freefall is the part of the jump before the parachute opens.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012