down the drain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

As for me, I washed my diary down the drain less to keep from hurting others than to protect my own privacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

She said flat owners' and taxpayers' money had gone "down the drain", adding: "We've been totally drained for years."

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

Every year, about 350 million liters goes down the drain, costing businesses over A$580 million to dispose of it and wasting some of the resources it takes to make milk.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2024

When you’re done, you pour the grits down the drain and eat the road apples.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy