go under

go under

1. to sink beneath the surface of the water. •

After capsizing, the ship went under very slowly.

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I was afraid that our canoe would go under in the rapidly moving water.

2. Fig. [for something] to fail. •

The company went under exactly one year after it opened.

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We tried to keep it from going under.

3. Fig. to become unconscious from anesthesia. •

After a few minutes, she went under and the surgeon began to work.

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Tom went under and the operation began.

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{v.} 1. To be sunk. * /The ship hit an iceberg and went under./ 2. To fail; be defeated. * /The filling station went under because there were too many others on the street./