"Sent the river" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /sɛnt ðə ˈrɪvər/. The first word "sent" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɛ/ (as in "pen") and the consonant cluster /nt/. The second word "the" has the vowel sound /ə/ (as in "sofa") and the voiced fricative /ð/. Finally, "river" has the vowel sound /ɪ/ (as in "bit") and the consonant cluster /rv/. When spoken together, the phrase means "directed or caused something to flow down the river."
"Sent the river" is a phrase typically used in the context of card games, particularly poker, to describe a style of play characterized by placing a large bet or raising the stakes significantly in order to force opponents to fold their hands or risk losing a substantial amount of money.
The term "sent" in this phrase implies taking a strong, aggressive action, akin to launching an attack or sending a projectile towards its target. In this case, the target is the river, which is the last community card dealt in a game of Texas Hold'em or Omaha poker. The river card often has the potential to significantly change the outcome of a hand.
By "sending the river," a player aims to intimidate opponents or manipulate their decisions by putting a substantial amount of money at risk. This aggressive move can be a strategic play to assert dominance and control over the table, increasing the chances of taking the pot without having to show their cards.
However, "sending the river" is a high-risk strategy, as it requires having a strong hand or accurately reading opponents' weaknesses. If unsuccessful, it can lead to significant losses. Thus, it is often employed by experienced players who possess the necessary skills and understanding of the game's dynamics to effectively execute such a bold maneuver.