SOLD DOWN THE RIVER Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "sold down the river" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation in which someone is deceived, betrayed, or taken advantage of by someone they trusted, often resulting in a substantial loss or disadvantageous outcome.
This phrase originates from the practice of selling slaves during the pre-Civil War era in the United States. Slaves who were deemed unruly or undesirable were frequently sold to plantation owners in the deep South, particularly along the Mississippi River, to be subjected to harsher conditions and a grim fate. Therefore, being sold down the river was a tragic and treacherous event for these enslaved individuals.
In contemporary usage, "sold down the river" has evolved to encompass a broader set of circumstances, extending beyond racial slavery. It can refer to instances where someone's trust or loyalty is violated by someone they believed to be an ally, colleague, or friend. This betrayal often results in severe consequences, personal or professional setbacks, or a loss of reputation.
The phrase encapsulates the feelings of being deceived, manipulated, or left in a vulnerable position due to the actions of someone close. It conveys a profound sense of disappointment, outrage, and a feeling of being powerless in the face of treachery or exploitation.
Common Misspellings for SOLD DOWN THE RIVER
- aold down the river
- zold down the river
- xold down the river
- dold down the river
- eold down the river
- wold down the river
- sild down the river
- skld down the river
- slld down the river
- spld down the river
- s0ld down the river
- s9ld down the river
- sokd down the river
- sopd down the river
- sood down the river
- sols down the river
- solx down the river
- solc down the river
- solf down the river
