What does “Down the drain” mean?
"Down the drain" means that something has been wasted or lost completely.
What context can I use the in?
Example
All of our hard work went down the drain when the project was canceled.
Example
I can't believe I spent all that money on clothes that are now going down the drain.
Example
The hours I spent studying for the exam were a complete waste, as all my knowledge went down the drain when I froze during the test
Is “Down the drain” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Down the drain” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Down the drain” effectively in context?
You can use "Down the Drain" to describe a situation where something valuable or important is wasted or lost completely. It emphasizes the idea of something going to waste or being rendered useless. For example, if a friend tells you they failed an important exam, you might say, 'All your hard work went down the drain.'
- 1Work
After months of planning, the project was suddenly canceled, and all our efforts went down the drain.
- 2Money
I regret buying those expensive clothes because now they're just going down the drain.
- 3Education
Despite studying for hours, my knowledge went down the drain when I froze during the exam.
Similar phrases to “Down the drain”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Down the drain” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Down the Drain" is unknown.
Is “Down the drain” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Down the Drain" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express disappointment or frustration when something valuable or important is wasted or lost.
What tone does “Down the drain” have?
"Down the Drain" conveys a tone of disappointment or frustration. It's often used to express a sense of loss or regret when something goes to waste.
Can “Down the drain” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Down the Drain" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the complete loss or waste of something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'All our efforts went down the drain when the project was canceled.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Everything is going "down the drain"!' to express frustration.
