go to hell

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search
See also: go-to-hell

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

The third sense is first attested in Shakespeare. The second sense is a variation of older go to the devil. The literal sense is attested since Old English with various verbs for "to go".[1]

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (file)

Verb[edit]

go to hell (third-person singular simple present goes to hell, present participle going to hell, simple past went to hell, past participle gone to hell)

  1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see go,‎ to,‎ hell.
  2. To go out the window; be ruined; be now useless.
    Well, that plan has gone to hell.
  3. Expression of anger and contempt directed at someone, especially after that individual has done something very wrong.
    Why did Nancy do that to Jake? She can go to hell.
    You want me to voluntarily work the weekend without pay? Go to hell!

Synonyms[edit]

Translations[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ hell, n. & int.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.