The phrase "sends up the river" refers to a slang term for sending someone to prison. It is pronounced /sɛnds ʌp ðə rɪvər/ with the initial "s" being voiced and the "en" sound in "sends" being pronounced as an open-mid vowel. The final "s" in "sends" and the "p" in "up" are unaspirated, while the "t" in "the" is pronounced as a flap. The stress is on the second syllable of "river," making it a three-syllable word.
The phrase "sends up the river" is an idiomatic expression with several possible meanings, depending on the context. The most common usage refers to a colloquial term used in criminal jargon, particularly within the American justice system. In this context, "sends up the river" refers to the act of sentencing or convicting someone to serve time in a prison, usually for a significant period. The phrase "up the river" is derived from the notion that many correctional facilities are located near rivers or waterways. Thus, sending someone "up the river" implies that they are being transported to a distant penitentiary to serve their sentence.
In a more figurative sense, "sends up the river" can also be used to describe situations where someone or something is being sent away or removed from a particular environment or society. It could imply a situation where someone is being intentionally isolated or expelled from a community due to their actions or behaviors. This can extend beyond legal consequences and encompass various aspects of life.
Overall, "sends up the river" is a versatile phrase that typically conveys the idea of someone being sentenced to imprisonment or being removed from a specific environment. Its meaning heavily relies on the context in which it is used.