belly up
When a business or plan dies and stops working, like a dead fish floating on its back.
Meanings
Of a business, plan, or venture: to fail completely and cease to operate.
"The restaurant went belly up after just six months because of poor management."
"The company went belly up, leaving hundreds of workers without jobs."
— Common journalistic usage, widely attested in publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian.
To move up close to something, typically a counter or bar, in order to stand right in front of it.
"After a long day on the slopes, they bellied up to the bar and ordered hot drinks."
The 'go belly up' form is more common than 'belly up' alone for the failure sense. The 'approach' sense (belly up to the bar) is mainly North American. The image comes from dead fish that float belly-up.
Commonly used with
Forms
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