ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pour down the drain

idiom
Meaning

To waste prior work by subsequent bad decisions.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't pour your hard work down the drain by quitting now.

CONTEXTUAL

If you ignore the project requirements, you will pour all your research down the drain.

COMPLEX

By failing to secure the final signatures, the team allowed months of meticulous planning to be poured down the drain.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    brain drain

    The migration of educated or talented people from less economically advanced areas to more economically advanced areas, especially to large cities or more developed nations.

  2. 02

    circle the drain

    To be in a rapid decline or in a state of downfall, especially as leading to an inevitable utter failure or destruction.

  3. 03

    drain the python

    To urinate.

  4. 04

    drain the snake

    To urinate.

  5. 05

    go down the drain

    Synonym of go down the toilet: to fail.

  6. 06

    pour cold water on

    Synonym of throw cold water on (“to belittle or dismiss”).

  7. 07

    pour cold water over

    Synonym of throw cold water on.

  8. 08

    pour fuel on the fire

    Synonym of add fuel to the fire.

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