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

See Examples For:

down the drain

Most people pour the leftover brine down the drain without a second thought.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

Commentators draw parallels with other intractable conflicts, and count the taxpayer money they say has spiraled down the drain.

From Slate ● Jun. 27, 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

And while Mr. Little knelt in the tub, Stuart slid easily down the drain and was lost to view.

From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White