Pronunciation: [sˈʌks dɹˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "sucks dry" is often used to describe the action of emptying something completely. In terms of spelling, "sucks" is pronounced /sʌks/, with a short "u" sound followed by a hard "ks" sound. "Dry" is pronounced /draɪ/, with the long "i" sound in the first syllable and a soft "r" sound in the second. Together, the phrase is spelled as it sounds, with no silent letters or unexpected vowel combinations.
The term "sucks dry" is a metaphorical expression that refers to the act of depleting or exhausting something or someone completely, typically in a negative or parasitic manner. This phrase is often used to depict situations where a person or entity takes advantage of another's resources or benefits excessively and without consideration for their well-being or sustainability.
In a literal sense, sucking dry is associated with the action of extracting all the liquid or substance from an object, leaving it empty or devoid of its essential content. However, when used in a figurative context, "sucks dry" typically implies that someone or something is exploiting or draining the resources, energy, or vitality of another entity, leaving them exhausted, depleted, or devoid of their intrinsic qualities.
This expression can be used to describe various scenarios, such as an individual taking advantage of someone's kindness or generosity to the point of exhaustion, a company excessively exploiting a natural resource without concern for sustainability, or a situation where excessive demands or requests are draining the vitality and enthusiasm of an individual or group.
Ultimately, "sucks dry" embodies a negative connotation, illustrating a parasitic or exploitative relationship where one party benefits at the expense of the other, leaving them completely drained or depleted.
The phrase "sucks dry" does not have a specific etymology of its own. However, understanding the origins of its constituent words might shed some light on its meaning.
"Sucks" comes from the verb "suck", which has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *suganą. It is a common verb that generally means to draw in or extract by creating a vacuum or by using the mouth for suction.
"Dry" is an adjective that originated from the Old English word "dryge". Its roots can be found in various Germanic languages, ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European base *dʰrewg-, meaning "to see, perceive, deceive". In this context, "dry" refers to the absence of moisture or liquid.
When combined, the phrase "sucks dry" typically implies the act of extracting or depleting something completely.
