go sour

Curdle or ferment

Go sour means to spoil or turn bad.

Milk goes sour when bacteria convert its sugars to acid.

The phrase extends to anything that deteriorates: The deal went sour when investors pulled out, Their marriage went sour after the first year.

A relationship, business venture, or mood can go sour—turning from promising to unpleasant.

spoilage

curdle

Congeal into lumps

  • fermentMicrobial chemical breakdown
  • rotOrganic breakdown process
  • turnRotational movement

expire · taint · rancid · off · stale · curdled · spoiled · putrid · clabber · separated

relationship

estrangement

Emotional separation between people

  • falloutPost-blast atmospheric particles
  • riftCrack or estrangement
  • breakupRomantic relationship's termination

discord · bitterness · resentment · animosity · friction · tension · hostility · grudge · alienation · disillusionment

deterioration

decline

Decrease or refuse

erode · fail · falter · unravel · fizzle · nosedive · tank · backfire · flounder · stagnate

Opposites
freshness/edibility

go sourstay fresh

freshen · keep · preserve · ripen · mature

relationship/situation quality

go sourimprove

Raise in quality

flourish · blossom · thrive · sweeten · get better

mood/disposition

go soursweeten

Add sugar to

cheer up · brighten · lighten up · warm up · soften

Family

go, sour, soured, sourness, sourdough, souring, sours, sourly, sourpuss

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G