down the chute

1. Awry; in a state of deterioration or failure. You got a C average? Boy, your grades have really gone down the chute this semester. We had big plans for our trip, but the terrible weather sent it all down the chute. My father's company is now going down the chute because of the incompetent new CEO.

2. A statement of encouragement said to or by someone right before swallowing something. Mr. Thompson, you've got to take your medication. Come on, now, down the chute! Do we really have to do shots of this stuff? OK, down the chute, then! "Well, down the chute!" Ellen said before taking her cough medicine.