Down the drain

Meaning

The idiom "down the drain" is used to describe something that has gone wrong or something that is lost forever. It can also be used to describe something that is no longer useful or valuable. The figurative meaning of the phrase is that it's gone for good, there's no coming back from it.

Usage

• I had hoped to win the lottery, but my luck ran out and all my savings were down the drain in a matter of weeks.
• When she found out that her husband had cheated on her, she was so upset that she packed all her belongings and left him without a word.
• The company's stock prices dropped dramatically, leaving many investors with empty pockets.
• After years of struggling to make ends meet, the family finally decided to sell their home and move to a smaller apartment.
• The car engine died suddenly while driving on the highway, leaving the driver stranded and feeling helpless.

Roots and History

The origin of the phrase "down the drain" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the old drainage systems where water would flow down the drainpipe, never to return. Another theory suggests that it refers to the act of pouring something down a drainpipe.

Synonyms in English

• Lost forever
• Gone for good
• No coming back
• Dead end
• Over and done with

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Perdido para siempre (permanently lost)
• French: Perdu pour toujours (forever lost)
• German: Gone for good (permanent loss)
• Italian: Perso per sempre (permanently lost)
• Chinese: 失望的 (disappointing)

Similar Idioms

• discretion is the greater part of valour

• doldrums

• draw the line