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down the drain
01
used to refer to something, such as a chance, idea, etc., that has been completely wasted or neglected
What is the origin of the idiom "down the drain" and when to use it?
The idiom "down the drain" is believed to have originated in the United States in the 20th century. The phrase refers to something that has been wasted or lost, often due to careless or thoughtless action. The phrase "down the drain" likely originated from the idea of water or other liquid being lost or wasted by being poured down a drain. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where something that was valuable or important has been lost or wasted due to poor decision-making or a lack of care.
Example
The money spent on the renovation project was all down the drain when the contractor didn't finish the work.
Residents were advised to avoid pouring grease down the drain to prevent clogs in the plumbing system.
The company's reputation was damaged when the CEO's irresponsible behavior caused years of hard work to go down the drain.
The money spent on the failed project went down the drain.
The time spent waiting in traffic was all down the drain when he missed the important meeting.
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