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
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
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
As you shower and brush your teeth, run your coffeemaker and water your houseplants, you’ll be reusing drops that only recently went down the drain.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2024
There were more earthworms in the bathtub, and I left them alone, watching the water carry them and send them down the drain.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
