a) to hit rock bottom
Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.
b) to go wrong
Well done ! That’s the right answer.
If a situation goes ‘pear-shaped’, bad things start happening
French translation
tourner mal, partir en vrille, partir en sucette, tourner en eau de boudin
How NOT to translate : *partir en forme de poire
...................................................
Examples in context
‘Apple’s progress towards a $1,000 share price may yet go pear-shaped
New iPhones and iPads have everyone excited about Apple’s prospects, but pushing into China and into the TV market won’t be problem-free.’
The Observer, 8 April 2013
............
’HLPC talks go pear-shaped again’
A High-level Political Committee (HLPC) meeting on Sunday ended without making any headway, as the four major political forces stuck to their guns. The provision of threshold and eligibility of candidates running in the new Constituent Assembly elections were the sticking points.
Katmandu, 10 June 2013
...................................................
Everyday usage
I didn’t ask him for help on the project because last time, things went a bit pear-shaped.
If we don’t resolve this problem now, the situation will go pear-shaped !
c) to run smoothly
Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.
Missed last week’s phrase ? Catch up here