Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
sell-someone-down-the-river
idiomatic expression
/sɛl ˈsʌmwʌn daʊn ðə ˈrɪvər/
Definition
To betray someone or be disloyal to them, often for personal gain.
Examples
- He really sold me down the river when he shared my secrets with the boss.
- She felt betrayed when her best friend sold her down the river during the negotiations.
Meaning
The phrase indicates an act of treachery where one compromises another’s interests, typically for one’s benefit.
Synonyms
- betray
- double-cross
- deceive
- backstab
