Understanding the Phrase “To Tank Something”
The expression “to tank something” is a colloquial phrase that is primarily used in American English. It carries specific meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Below are the key interpretations of the phrase.
1. Failure or Underperformance
In general usage, “to tank something” means to experience a significant failure or to perform poorly in a particular endeavor. This interpretation is often applied in various contexts:
Business: When a company’s stock price drops dramatically, one might say it “tanked.” For example, “The company’s recent earnings report caused its shares to tank.”
Sports: A team may tank a game if they play poorly or lose intentionally, often for strategic reasons, such as securing a better draft pick.
Projects: If a project fails to meet its goals or standards, one could say, “The project tanked due to lack of funding.”
2. Deliberate Underperformance
In certain contexts, “to tank” can imply a deliberate action to fail or underperform. For instance:
Tanking for a Better Future: In sports, a team may intentionally lose games to improve their chances of obtaining more talented players in future drafts.
Business Decisions: A company might tank a product to phase it out or shift consumer focus to another offering.
3. Cultural and Entertainment Context
In cultural discussions, “tanking” can relate to films, television shows, or video games that perform poorly:
Movies and TV Shows: A film that receives negative reviews and poor box office sales can be said to have “tanked.” For instance, “That movie really tanked at the box office.”
Video Games: A game that fails to attract players or faces critical backlash can also be described as having tanked.
Conclusion
The phrase “to tank something” carries connotations of failure or poor performance across various fields, including business, sports, and entertainment. Understanding the context is crucial for interpreting the precise meaning behind the phrase. Whether referring to deliberate actions or unexpected outcomes, “tanking” denotes a significant downturn that impacts perceived success.