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.See also: on, skid

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.See also: on, skid

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] See also: on, skid

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.See also: on, skid

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. See also: on, skid

on the ˈskids

(informal) moving towards disaster; declining: It was clear months ago that the firm was on the skids. OPPOSITE: fly highSee also: on, skid

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. See also: on, skid