PhrasesHub

Down the drain

    Definitions

      • Wasted or lost
        To describe something that has been lost or wasted, often due to carelessness or poor decision-making.

      • Failure or unsuccessful outcome
        To refer to a failed or unsuccessful attempt or plan, often resulting in wasted time, effort, or resources.

      • Gradually fading or disappearing
        To describe something that is gradually disappearing or fading away, often referring to a concept or idea.

    Examples of Down the drain

    • After investing all our money in that business, it seems like we've watched it go down the drain.

      This idiom is used to describe something that has been wasted or lost completely. It can be applied to money, time, or any other valuable resource. In this example, the business investment has been a complete failure, and all the money put into it has been lost.

    • I spent hours trying to fix this broken printer, but it seems like all my efforts have gone down the drain.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where a lot of effort has been put in, but the outcome has been negative. In this example, the speaker has spent a lot of time trying to fix the printer, but it still isn't working.

    • After a long day at work, I feel like all my energy has gone down the drain.

      This idiom can be used to describe a feeling of exhaustion or lack of energy. In this example, the speaker is saying that they feel completely drained after a long day at work.

    • I tried to explain my point of view, but it seems like my words have gone down the drain.

      This idiom can be used to describe a situation where someone's opinion or message has been ignored or dismissed. In this example, the speaker is saying that they tried to make their point, but it didn't seem to have any impact on the situation.

    • I've been trying to learn a new language, but it seems like all my progress has gone down the drain.

      This idiom can be used to describe a situation where someone has made progress towards a goal, but it has been lost or reversed. In this example, the speaker has been making progress in learning a new language, but for some reason, they feel like they've lost all the progress they've made.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "down the drain" is commonly used to describe something that has been lost or wasted, often due to carelessness or poor decision-making. It can also refer to a failed or unsuccessful attempt or plan, resulting in wasted time, effort, or resources. Additionally, it can be used to describe something that is slowly disappearing or fading away.

    This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as in personal or professional situations. For example, someone might say "My hard work and efforts went down the drain when the project was cancelled" to express their frustration and disappointment. It can also be used in a more lighthearted manner, such as "I accidentally spilled my coffee and watched it go down the drain" to describe a small mistake or mishap.

    Origin of "Down the drain"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to stem from the literal meaning of water or other liquids going down a drain. The image of something disappearing or being wasted down a drain is used to convey the idea of something being lost or wasted. The first recorded use of this phrase can be traced back to the 1800s, and it has since become a commonly used idiom in the English language.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the phrase "down the spout," which was used in the 1700s to describe money or other valuable items being lost or wasted. This phrase was later adapted to "down the drain," possibly due to the increased use of indoor plumbing and drains in the 19th century.

    Overall, the idiom "down the drain" has evolved over time to become a commonly used expression to describe various situations of loss or waste. Its origins can be traced back to different phrases and contexts, but its meaning remains consistent in conveying the idea of something disappearing or being wasted.