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through the wringer
01
experiencing many difficulties or challenges
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "through the wringer" and when to use it?
The idiom "through the wringer" originates from the process of using a wringer, a mechanical device used to squeeze excess water from clothing, typically after washing. In a figurative sense, this expression is used to describe the experience of going through a challenging or demanding situation, often leaving an individual exhausted, emotionally drained, or thoroughly tested.
Examples
She looked exhausted after going through the wringer at work.
