Become weaker vs. lose standards

[Haihao from Japan]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #10 "Cats, Dogs and Ducks", question 6

The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is going to the dogs.

(a) is having a good time
(b) is becoming lazy
(c) is losing its standards
(d) is becoming weaker

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #10 "Cats, Dogs and Ducks", answer 6

The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is losing its standards.

Correct answer: (c) is losing its standards

Your answer was: incorrect
The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is becoming weaker.
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Hi,

'Go to the dogs' means somewhere around 'go down', am I right? If so, isn't 'become waeker' more relevant than 'lose standards'?

haihao

[Canadian45]

"Going to the dogs" means becoming worse, deteriorating. (like going down)

"Losing its standards" is the best answer. The country is not necessarily becoming weaker; it's just 'not as good' as before.

[Haihao]

Gotcha, Uncle Canadian. :D haihao