down the drains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "down the drains" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is wasted or lost, often referring to money or resources that have been squandered. Example: "After investing so much time and effort into the project, it was disheartening to see all our hard work go down the drains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Pour bleach down the drains of your septic system.

WikiHow

All that gunk going down the drains is not only bad for the water supplies it ends up in but will ultimately clog the drains and costs money to be fixed.

WikiHow

"They even poured bleach down the drains".

The New York Times

"Enormous numbers of people have gone down the drains.

The New York Times

When all the poison has washed down the drains, the truth is that Real's fightback against Catalan dominance looks broken.

The Guardian - Sport

Will people soon be talking about what they flush down the drains or even their showering habits?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

Otherwise this deal goes down the drain".

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "down the drains", ensure the context clearly indicates a sense of waste, loss, or irreversible disappearance. Use it to emphasize the futility or negative outcome of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "down the drains" when referring to temporary setbacks or reversible situations. This phrase is most effective when conveying a permanent or significant loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down the drains" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which something is lost or wasted. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "down the drains" is a common prepositional phrase used to express the idea of something being wasted or lost irretrievably. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its register is generally neutral. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys a sense of futility and irreversible loss, avoiding its application to temporary setbacks. Alternatives such as "gone to waste" or "washed away" may suit more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

into the sewer

Replaces "drains" with "sewer", focusing on the disposal system.

washed away

Emphasizes the act of being carried away and lost, like being swept away by water.

gone to waste

Focuses on the lack of utilization and the resulting loss.

disappeared without a trace

Emphasizes the complete disappearance and lack of remaining evidence.

lost forever

Highlights the permanent nature of the loss.

down the tubes

An informal expression meaning something has failed or been wasted.

into oblivion

Suggests a state of being forgotten or completely lost.

vanished into thin air

Conveys a sudden and inexplicable disappearance.

met its demise

A more formal way of saying something has ended or failed.

fallen by the wayside

Indicates something has been abandoned or forgotten along the way.

FAQs

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

The phrase "down the drains" is used to describe something that has been wasted or lost, often referring to money, effort, or resources. For example, "All our hard work went "down the drains" when the project was cancelled."

What's a more formal way to say "down the drains"?

While "down the drains" is acceptable, more formal alternatives include "gone to waste", "dissipated", or "squandered", depending on the specific context.

Is "down the drain" or "down the drains" more correct?

Both "down the drain" and "down the drains" are correct, but their usage depends on the context. "Down the drain" typically refers to a singular instance or a general concept of waste, while "down the drains" often refers to multiple instances or the system itself.

What is the difference between "down the drain" and "down the drains"?

"Down the drain" refers to a single instance of something being wasted, while "down the drains" suggests a more systemic or widespread loss.