down the drain

Idioms  

1. On the way to being lost or wasted; disappearing. For example, Buying new furniture when they can't take it with them is just pouring money down the drain, or During the Depression huge fortunes went down the drain. This metaphoric term alludes to water going down a drain and being carried off. [Colloquial; c. 1920] For a synonym, see down the tubes.

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Example Sentences

It asks you to look twice before pouring something down the drain.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

"That's when everything went down the drain," she said.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Once rinsed down the drain, these fibers can enter wastewater systems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Late in the film, things are at their darkest: a friendship has been torn apart, and the band is spiraling down the drain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

A thin stream rained into the tub and down the drain.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu