on the skids
on the skids
Experiencing a period of trouble, difficulty or decline. The team started the season so well, but they've been on the skids for the last few games. Marissa and I are really on the skids lately—I think a breakup is inevitable at this point.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on the skids
Sl. on the decline. My newly started business is on the skids. Her health is really on the skids, but she stays cheery anyway.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the skids
In the process of decline or ruin, as in If she quit now, her career would be on the skids. The skids here are runners such as those on a sled, enabling one to go downhill quickly. [c. 1920]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on the skids
INFORMALCOMMON If something is on the skids, it is experiencing many problems and will probably fail. My marriage was on the skids. It took Donny some time to realise his career was on the skids.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
on the skids
(of a person or their career) in a bad state; failing. informal 1989 Thomas Berger The Changing Past Jackie arrived at middle age with a career on the skids.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the ˈskids
(informal) moving towards disaster; declining: It was clear months ago that the firm was on the skids. OPPOSITE: fly highFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the skids
mod. on the decline. (see also put the skids under someone/something.) Her health is really on the skids, but she stays cheery anyway.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.