SELLING DOWN RIVER Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "selling down river" originated in the era of slavery and refers to a dishonorable act of betraying or exploiting someone for personal gain. This idiomatic expression carries a negative connotation and is typically used to describe a situation where a person sacrifices the well-being or interests of another individual or group in order to advance their own agenda.
Metaphorically, "selling down river" is derived from the historical practice of trading slaves along the Mississippi River. Back then, when plantation owners wished to maximize profits, they would sell their slaves to owners further down the river. This cruel act involved separating families, uprooting individuals from their homes, and worsening the conditions for those sold. The phrase "selling down river" has therefore come to signify a heartless act of betrayal or abandonment.
Today, the phrase is often used in discussions about trust, loyalty, and ethical principles. It can pertain to any situation where a person exploits or betrays someone who had placed trust or reliance in them. This can occur in personal relationships, business partnerships, or political settings. "Selling down river" implies a moral failure, highlighting the detrimental impact caused by the selfish actions of the betrayer, analogous to the suffering experienced by the slaves who were sold down the river long ago.
Common Misspellings for SELLING DOWN RIVER
- aelling down river
- zelling down river
- xelling down river
- delling down river
- eelling down river
- welling down river
- swlling down river
- sslling down river
- sdlling down river
- srlling down river
- s4lling down river
- s3lling down river
- sekling down river
- sepling down river
- seoling down river
- selking down river
- selping down river
- seloing down river
- sellung down river
- selljng down river
