like a drain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a drain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is happening very quickly or intensely, often in a negative context, such as losing energy or resources. Example: "After the long meeting, I felt my energy draining away like a drain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He's serving like a drain here.

The Guardian - Sport

McGinley played like a drain, the 16th being a case of muck in point.

Independent

I laughed like a drain at the football match between the Greek and German philosophers.

Independent

"I worked with him in Barbados… just before he bowled like a drain!" said Swann.

The Guardian - Sport

George laughed like a drain, as though he hadn't thought of it himself.

The Guardian - Film

He's got 0-41 from 6 overs and is bowling like a drain today.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Ominously silhouetted soldiers stood against a fogged cyclorama, all symbolism and attempted cinematography like a drained, lifeless reflection of John Singer Sargent's Gassed.

The Guardian

Chicago's The Vixen, looking like a drained Sears Tower souvenir snow globe, took a boxer's stance and announced, "I'm just here to fight". Is she already positioning herself to be the villain?

The New York Times - Arts

Isaiah Segar used to struggle to tackle even simple repairs, like snaking a drain or installing new blinds on the windows in his East Baltimore home.

Johns Hopkins University

Like? "I need a drain snake," Perry says.

The Washington Post

Any matter that gets too close vanishes across the boundary, like water down a drain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a drain" to vividly illustrate something being quickly depleted or disappearing, particularly when a negative connotation is intended. For instance, describe resources, energy, or even opportunities vanishing rapidly.

Common error

Avoid using "like a drain" in contexts where a positive or neutral image is desired. The phrase typically implies something undesirable is being lost or disappearing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a drain" functions primarily as a simile, comparing something to the rapid and often undesirable way water disappears down a drain. Ludwig AI confirms this is a usable phrase in English. Examples show it depicting quickly diminishing resources or skills.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like a drain" is a simile used to describe something that disappears or depletes rapidly and often undesirably. Ludwig AI indicates it is a correct and usable phrase. It is commonly found in News & Media, but is appropriate for general usage. When writing, be mindful of the negative connotations and ensure it fits the intended tone. Consider alternative phrases like "draining rapidly" or "vanishing quickly" to avoid unintended negative emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draining rapidly

Emphasizes the draining aspect more directly.

going down the plughole

Uses a different idiom with a similar image of disappearing down a drain.

being depleted fast

Focuses on the depletion aspect and speed, altering the imagery.

vanishing quickly

Focuses on the speed of disappearance, without necessarily the negative connotation.

disappearing swiftly

Highlights the speed of disappearance; more neutral in tone.

being consumed quickly

Focuses on the consumption aspect rather than the draining.

dissipating quickly

Suggests a gradual fading away, maintaining the speed of disappearance.

evaporating quickly

Changes the imagery to evaporation but maintains the rapid disappearance.

vanishing without a trace

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the disappearance.

plummeting rapidly

Changes the metaphor to a rapid fall, sharing the speed and negativity.

FAQs

How can I use "like a drain" in a sentence?

You can use "like a drain" to describe something disappearing or being depleted rapidly and often undesirably. For example, "My energy was "draining away" like a drain after the long meeting."

What can I say instead of "like a drain"?

You can use alternatives such as "draining rapidly", "vanishing quickly", or "disappearing swiftly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "like a drain" or "down the drain"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Like a drain" describes the manner of disappearance, while "down the drain" typically implies something is wasted or lost completely.

What's the difference between "like a drain" and "going downhill"?

"Like a drain" emphasizes rapid disappearance, while "going downhill" describes a decline in quality or condition. While both are negative, their focus differs.