go to hell

English

Etymology

The expression dates back to Old English, where it literally meant to go to Hēl, who was the Goddess of Hell (also called Hēl). It was not an insult. (Can this(+) etymology be sourced?)

Verb

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 with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: 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

Translations

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