Solution for 6 August cryptic crossword clue

Deteriorate? Manage to consult foremost of doctors (3,2,4)

Solution – run to seed

A classic charades type clue today.  The solution is a 3 word phrase that can mean "deteriorate" – ok, so if something runs to seed it has gone to waste or deteriorated.

This phrase can also be built up from the second part of the clue:

Manage = run

 To consult =  to see as in "see the doctor"

Foremost of doctors = the first letter in the word "doctors"

So run + to + see + d = run to seed