The expression what goes up must come down means that something with a meteoric rise to power or fame will eventually experience a fall from grace. This idiom originated in the 1800s and came from the physical properties of gravity.
The expression "what goes up must come down" encapsulates the concept that anything experiencing a rapid ascent, whether in terms of success, popularity, or power, is likely to face a subsequent decline. This idiom draws an analogy from the fundamental principles of gravity, suggesting that objects thrown upwards will inevitably be pulled back down to the ground.
The origin of this expression lies in its metaphorical use to describe the inevitability of cycles and reversals in various aspects of life. It implies that extraordinary success or achievements may not be sustainable indefinitely, and there is a natural tendency for situations to balance out over time.
This idiom is often employed to caution against excessive optimism or hubris, reminding individuals that highs are often followed by lows, and fortunes can change.