wrung dry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrung dry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which a resource or supply has been exhausted. For example, "The lake was wrung dry by the drought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In that case, too, the subject seemed to have been wrung dry.

The New York Times

This year's demonic and destabilising show sends audiences out into the night wrung dry of laughter and looking shellshocked.

The Guardian

Then Dennis supplies the punchline – and keeps resupplying it, gurning and smirking until the laugh has been wrung dry.

The Guardian

The film takes other shortcuts as well, bringing in stock dynamics that have already been wrung dry by television's uncountable police procedurals: mismatched partners, an ex-wife issue, a child-in-jeopardy subplot.

The New York Times

In the three-part ballet, Mr. Elo employs his usual ingredients: unrelenting movement; coy gestures, like a randomly placed shoulder roll or noodle arms; acrobatic partnering wrung dry of emotion; and, perhaps the worst, ballerinas who move like dolls.

The New York Times - Arts

It is unorthodox for an American stuffing in its use of a bread loaf soaked in water, wrung dry and shredded, and in its lack of added fat, broth, raw egg or any other binder.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Do not wring dry, just squeeze them, and hang them to dry.

WikiHow

If nothing else, wash them thoroughly with soap, rinse well and wring dry before hanging them up.

WikiHow

Soak the leather string in water (overnight works best) and wring dry the leather string or use a towel or cloth to dry.

WikiHow

Another approach is to soak jeans in very hot water (fill the laundry tub, dunk in and use a wooden spoon to push all of the jeans under), wring dry once the water has cooled, and then toss them into the dryer on its hottest setting as above.

WikiHow

It's wrung me dry, not the other way around.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wrung dry" to describe a situation where resources, emotions, or creative ideas have been completely exhausted or depleted. For example, "After three weeks of racing, the cyclists were completely wrung dry".

Common error

Avoid using "wrung dry" in literal contexts where physical wringing is intended. While 'wring dry' can describe the action of removing water, "wrung dry" as a figurative expression should only be used to convey exhaustion or depletion, not the physical act of twisting something to remove moisture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrung dry" functions as a figurative expression, typically used as a predicate adjective or part of a verb phrase. It describes a state of being completely exhausted, depleted, or exploited. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wrung dry" is a common and correct English idiom that effectively conveys a sense of complete exhaustion or depletion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, primarily in News & Media. It serves to emphasize the finality of a resource being completely used up, whether it’s physical, emotional, or creative. While versatile, it's important to avoid literal interpretations related to physical wringing. Alternatives like "completely exhausted", "totally depleted" or "utterly drained" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squeezed dry

Similar imagery, but focuses more on the action of extracting everything possible.

completely exhausted

Focuses on the state of being completely depleted of energy or resources.

totally depleted

Emphasizes the complete removal of something, leaving nothing behind.

exhausted completely

A more formal way of saying something is used up

utterly drained

Highlights the feeling of being emptied of strength or vitality.

completely used up

Indicates that something has been consumed entirely, with no remainder.

tapped out

Suggests that all available resources have been accessed and there is nothing left.

picked clean

Highlights the thoroughness of the depletion, leaving nothing untouched.

milked dry

Emphasizes the exploitation of something until it can no longer provide anything.

stripped bare

Focuses on the removal of all coverings or resources, leaving something exposed.

FAQs

How can I use "wrung dry" in a sentence?

You can use "wrung dry" to describe something that has been completely exhausted or depleted. For example, "The emotional subject matter had the actors feeling completely "wrung dry" after filming."

What does it mean to be "wrung dry"?

To be "wrung dry" means to be completely exhausted, depleted, or used up, either physically, emotionally, or creatively. It suggests that all resources have been extracted.

What are some synonyms for "wrung dry"?

Some synonyms for "wrung dry" include "completely exhausted", "totally depleted", and "utterly drained".

Is "wrung dry" a formal or informal expression?

"Wrung dry" is generally considered an informal expression, although its use is common in news reporting and general discourse. More formal alternatives might be "completely exhausted" or "totally depleted" depending on the specific context.