go into a nosedive

1. Of an aircraft, to go into a sudden and rapid descent toward the ground leading with the nose of the plane. Everyone started panicking when we went into a nosedive, but the skilled pilot managed to regain control of the plane and landed it safely. Who can tell me what happens to oxygen levels when a plane goes into a nosedive? Investigators at the crash site are still trying to determine why the plane went into a nosedive in the first place.

2. Of a person, to fall toward the ground face first. I was so distracted by the girl I like in class that I ended up tripping and going into a nosedive right in front of her. He tripped on the step and went into a nosedive in the hallway. I stumbled but managed to grab onto the railing, and thank goodness! I would have gone into a nosedive otherwise!

3. To suddenly and rapidly begin to decline in physical, emotional, or psychological health or stability; to suffer a sudden loss or decline in value or success. My father held out bravely in his fight against cancer, but I'm afraid he's gone into a nosedive in the last couple of weeks. Shares in the company went into a nosedive when news of the tax scandal went public. You should check up on Brian—he's really gone into a nosedive since his divorce was finalized.

go into a nosedive

and take a nosedive

1. Lit. [for an airplane] suddenly to dive toward the ground, nose first. It was a bad day for flying, and I was afraid we'd go into a nosedive. The small plane took a nosedive. The pilot was able to bring it out at the last minute, so the plane didn't crash.

2. . Fig. [for someone] to fall to the ground face first. She took a nosedive and injured her face.

3. . Fig. to go into a rapid emotional or financial decline, or a decline in health. Our profits took a nosedive last year. After he broke his hip, Mr. Brown's health went into a nosedive, and he never recovered.