# put through the wringer

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-through-the-wringer
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To interrogate or scrutinize closely; to subject to some trial or ordeal.

## Examples

- The boss put me through the wringer during my interview.
- The police put the suspect through the wringer for hours until he finally admitted the truth.
- After the committee put his research proposal through the wringer, he realized he needed to revise his entire methodology before they would approve the funding.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.