go to seed

go to seed

1. and run to seed Lit. [for a plant] to grow long enough to produce seed; [for a plant] to spend its energy going to seed. •

The lettuce went to seed and we couldn't eat it.

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Plants like that ought not to be allowed to go to seed.

2. and run to seed Fig. [for a lawn or a plant] to produce seeds because it has not had proper care. •

You've got to mow the grass. It's going to seed.

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Don't let the lawn go to seed. It looks so—seedy!

3. Fig. [for something] to decline in looks, status, or utility due to lack of care. (The same as run to seed.) •

This old coat is going to seed. Have to get a new one.

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The front of the house is going to seed. Let's get it painted.

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or[run to seed] {v. phr.} 1. To grow seeds. * /Onions go to seed in hot weather./ 2. To lose skill or strength; stop being good or useful. * /Sometimes a good athlete runs to seed when he gets too old for sports./ * /Mr. Allen was a good carpenter until he became rich and went to seed./