down the drain

USAGE SUMMARY

"down the drain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate something has been wasted or lost, usually through some kind of negligence. Example: All the hard work I put into the project went down the drain when my computer crashed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And money going down the drain.

The New York Times - Books

Water swirled down the drain.

The New Yorker

Or "Money down the drain".

The New York Times - Food

Fifty cents, down the drain.

The New York Times

My money's down the drain!

The Guardian - Music

Otherwise this deal goes down the drain".

The New York Times

"A ten-year relationship, down the drain".

The New Yorker

Costly training goes down the drain.

The Economist

THEIR stock prices are down the drain.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I belong to the down-the-drain generation.

The New York Times

Pour bleach down the drains of your septic system.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "down the drain" when you want to emphasize that something was not only lost, but also wasted due to negligence, poor planning, or unforeseen circumstances. This adds a layer of critique or regret to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "down the drain" in situations where something is simply lost or misplaced. The phrase implies a greater loss due to preventable factors, and its misuse can weaken your argument or create unintended negative connotations.

How to use

Learn how to use "down the drain" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down the drain" functions as an idiomatic expression typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which something is lost or wasted, as supported by Ludwig's examples where it signifies a negative outcome or irreversible loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "down the drain" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe something that has been wasted or irretrievably lost. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its core meaning is consistent, understanding the subtle nuances and potential for misapplication can enhance writing precision. By using alternatives when appropriate and avoiding overuse in formal contexts, writers can effectively communicate the intended meaning without sacrificing clarity or sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete waste

Highlights the futility and lack of value derived from something.

gone to waste

Replaces the drain metaphor with a more general expression of something not being used effectively.

in vain

Suggests that an action or effort was performed without achieving the desired result.

gone to nothing

Emphasizes the lack of outcome or result, indicating complete failure.

lost forever

Emphasizes the permanent loss or irretrievability of something, without the implication of waste.

up in smoke

Conveys the idea of something disappearing quickly and completely, often unexpectedly.

a fruitless endeavor

Focuses on the lack of positive outcome or result from an effort.

washed up

Suggests something is finished and no longer useful.

money pit

Specifically refers to something that consumes a lot of money without providing much return.

a lost cause

Indicates that an effort is unlikely to succeed and is therefore not worth pursuing.

FAQs

What does the idiom "down the drain" mean?

The idiom "down the drain" means that something has been wasted or lost, often due to carelessness or a lack of planning. It implies that resources, efforts, or opportunities have been squandered and are now irretrievable.

How can I use "down the drain" in a sentence?

You can use "down the drain" to describe various forms of waste. For instance, "All our hard work went "gone to waste" when the project was cancelled" or "If we don't invest in proper maintenance, the building will go "fall apart" and our investment will go "gone to waste"".

What are some alternatives to saying "down the drain"?

Alternatives to "down the drain" include "gone to waste", "lost forever", or "a complete waste". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "down the drain" in formal writing?

While "down the drain" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or precise language to convey the idea of waste or loss. Alternatives like "ineffective" or "unproductive" might be more suitable.