Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
down-the-rathole
phrase
/ˈdaʊn ðə ˈræθhoʊl/
Definition
A phrase used to describe the act of wasting resources, time, or energy on something that is unproductive or unlikely to yield positive results.
Examples
- Investing in that startup felt like throwing money down the rathole when we saw their poor business model.
- Trying to fix the old car was just going down the rathole; it would have been cheaper to buy a new one.
- After several failed attempts to improve productivity, the manager realized the project was just going down the rathole.
Meaning
To invest efforts or funds in a venture that is unlikely to produce any significant return or benefit.
Synonyms
- wasting resources
- throwing money away
- futile effort
- pointless endeavor
