SELLS DOWN THE RIVER Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "sells down the river" is an idiomatic expression with a historical connotation. It is commonly used to describe an act of betrayal or deception committed by someone against a person or group that has trusted them. The expression originated during times of slavery in the United States. In this context, it referred to the act of selling enslaved individuals further down the Mississippi River, usually resulting in worse and more brutal conditions for the slaves.
Today, the phrase has evolved to encompass a broader meaning beyond slavery. It generally implies the act of betraying or sacrificing someone's well-being, interests, or trust for personal gain or advantage. When a person "sells someone down the river," they are essentially acting against the best interests of the individual or group, often in exchange for personal benefits or to appease someone else.
This expression is commonly used in situations where someone is manipulated, deceived, or let down by someone they thought they could trust. It carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting a profound breach of trust and a sense of moral betrayal. Ultimately, the phrase "sells down the river" encapsulates the idea of a person exploiting the vulnerability, trust, or dependency of another for their own gain, disregarding the consequences inflicted upon the person being betrayed.
Common Misspellings for SELLS DOWN THE RIVER
- sell down the roiver
- sell down the river
- sell down thee river
- sell down the rivver
- aells down the river
- zells down the river
- xells down the river
- dells down the river
- eells down the river
- wells down the river
- swlls down the river
- sslls down the river
- sdlls down the river
- srlls down the river
- s4lls down the river
- s3lls down the river
- sekls down the river
- sepls down the river
- seols down the river
- selks down the river
