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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. 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. 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. The front of the house is going to seed. Let's get it painted.
go to seed
to get into a much worse condition I almost didn't recognize John. He's really gone to seed since his wife left him.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of plants that go to seed (stop producing flowers and start producing seeds)
go/run to seed
to stop taking care of your appearance so that you no longer look attractive I almost didn't recognize John. He's really gone to seed since his wife left him.