Did your friend tell you the local cinema is going to "rack and ruin?" This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "rack and ruin" means something is falling into a state of disrepair or complete destruction. For instance, the local cinema might be falling into rack and ruin due to it not bringing in any money during the pandemic. It means something previously in good condition, experiencing severe neglect, ruining its appearance and use.
Example Usage
"This company is going to the dogs. Since new management took over, it's gone to rack and ruin. I don't think it will ever be the same. It's a matter of time til they file for bankruptcy."
"What's with our football team lately. It's like they're going to rack and ruin. We need a few new players to stop this spiral if we want to make the playoffs this year."
"This car has gone to rack and ruin over the last two years. I don't have the money to service it, and it's a matter of time til I break down on the freeway."
"That couple let their relationship go to rack and ruin. It's a good example of how you must nurture your partner's needs and remain reciprocal in the relationship."
"Is there any way we can stop this from going to rack and ruin? I don't know how we can bring this back from the brink, do you?"
"Are you going to help me renovate the house this weekend? If I don't do something soon, it will go to rack and ruin."
"We let the school go to rack and ruin. We should have put more thought into choosing the right staff."
Origin
The expression "rack and ruin" originates from the word "wreck." Many people mistakenly confuse this saying as originating from the medieval torture device known as "the rack."
However, the now defunct work "wrack" is a tautology of the word "ruin," leading to its incorporation in the saying "wrack and ruin" to describe something that's in tatters or destroyed.
The expression "going to wreck" was the predecessor of "rack and ruin," with records showing this phrase being in use as early as 1548, where it appears in a sermon by the clergyman Ephraim Udall and reads as follows.
"The flocke goeth to wrecke and vtterly perisheth."
The author, Henry Bull. Progressed the phrase into "wrack and ruin" in a translation of "Luther's Commentarie upon the fiftene psalmes," published in 1577, where it reads as follows.
"Whiles all things seeme to fall to wracke and ruine."
The modem version of "rack and ruin" appeared in 1599, with historian Thomas Fowler publishing his work, "The history of Corpus Christi College," where the saying reads as follows.
"In the mean season, the College shall goe to rack and ruin."
Phrases Similar to Rack and Ruin
- Fall from grace.
- Go to the dogs.
Phrases Opposite to Rack and Ruin
- Rise to the top.
- The penultimate.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Rack and ruin.
Ways People May Say Rack and Ruin Incorrectly
The phrase "rack and ruin" doesn't refer to the medieval torture device known as "the rack." People would end up on the rack for breaking laws. The saying refers to someone or something falling into disrepair or total destruction.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Rack and Ruin
You can use the expression "rack and ruin" to describe someone's fall from grace to complete ruin in their life. The phrase suits professional and social use. You could use it to describe a company making bad decisions leading to them falling into bankruptcy.
Or it could describe a friend that lost everything in their life. They might have lost their job, money, and home, leading them to be homeless on the street. The phrase suits verbal exchanges and text-based communications. The saying can apply to people or objects. For instance, your car could fall into "rack and ruin" if you don't service it.