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up the river
01
in or to prison confinement
Dialect
American
American
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "up the river" and when to use it?
The idiom "up the river" originated in the United States in the 19th century and refers to the practice of transporting prisoners by boat or barge to penitentiaries located upstream along rivers. It is often employed in conversations or discussions surrounding criminal justice, legal matters, or personal anecdotes involving incarceration.
Examples
He is up the river, serving a 10-year sentence for his involvement in the robbery.
She is facing charges and might end up the river if found guilty.
