Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
down-the-drain
idiom
/daʊn ðə dreɪn/
Definition
A phrase used to describe something that is wasted, lost, or no longer useful.
Examples
- After spending so much time on that project, I felt all my work had gone down-the-drain when it was rejected.
- He was upset that he had invested so much money into the business, only to see it go down-the-drain.
- Her efforts to improve her grades seemed to be down-the-drain when she didn’t study for the final exam.
Meaning
When something goes ‘down-the-drain,’ it signifies that it has been squandered or is irretrievably lost, often referring to money, time, or effort.
Synonyms
- Wasted
- Misspent
- Gone
- Squandered
