rack and ruin

The phrase "rack and ruin" refers to a state of total destruction, degradation, or deterioration. It suggests that something or someone has been devastated or ruined completely, often due to negligence, mismanagement, or a lack of care. It can be used to describe the downfall of a person, a building, a business, or any other entity that has experienced a significant decline or collapse. The term "rack" refers to a medieval torture device, and "ruin" signifies widespread destruction or ruinous circumstances.