down the tubes

tube definition

1. n.
   a can of beer. (See also crack a tube.) : Toss me a tube, will ya?
2. n.
   the inner curve of a tall wave. (Surfing. See also tubular.) : I'm waiting for the best tube.
3. in.
   to fail; to go down the tube(s). (See also tube it.) : The whole plan tubed at the last minute.
4. n.
   a television set. : The tube is in the shop, so I read a book.
5. n.
   a cigarette. : There's a pack of tubes in my jacket.