How Do You Spell SELL DOWN THE RIVER?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛl dˌa͡ʊn ðə ɹˈɪvə] (IPA)

Sell down the river is a common phrase that means to betray someone or something. The word "sell" is pronounced /sɛl/ and means to exchange something for money. "Down the river" refers to being sent away or abandoned. The "d" sound in "down" is voiced, pronounced /daʊn/, while the "r" is silent. The word "river" is pronounced /rɪvər/ with an aspirated "r" sound. The phrase's spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of each word, making it easy to understand and use correctly.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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SELL DOWN THE RIVER Meaning and Definition

  1. "Sell down the river" is an idiomatic expression with origins in the United States, particularly the American slavery era. The phrase metaphorically refers to a betrayal or act of deceit where one person intentionally and callously betrays or sacrifices another for personal gain, often resulting in significant harm or negative consequences for the person being deceived.

    The term "sell down the river" is believed to have originated from the practice of slave traders selling slaves from the upper regions of the Mississippi River to plantations in the lower regions during the 19th century. This action was considered a cruel betrayal, as the slaves were sent to harsher conditions and separated from their families and familiar environments.

    Over time, the phrase has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts and is now used in a figurative sense. It can refer to any act of betrayal, whether it involves personal relationships, professional settings, or politics. The betrayal is often characterized by a deep sense of trust or loyalty being broken, resulting in the person being deceived feeling deceived, abandoned, or severely disadvantaged.

    In summary, "sell down the river" is an idiomatic expression that denotes a betrayal or act of deceit, originating from the historical practice of selling slaves from the upper to lower regions of the Mississippi River during the American slavery era. It signifies a callous betrayal resulting in harm or negative consequences for the person being deceived.

Common Misspellings for SELL DOWN THE RIVER

  • aell down the river
  • zell down the river
  • xell down the river
  • dell down the river
  • eell down the river
  • well down the river
  • swll down the river
  • ssll down the river
  • sdll down the river
  • srll down the river
  • s4ll down the river
  • s3ll down the river
  • sekl down the river
  • sepl down the river
  • seol down the river
  • selk down the river
  • selp down the river
  • selo down the river
  • sell sown the river

Idioms with the word SELL DOWN THE RIVER

  • sell down the river To betray someone, usually for personal gain; to deceive or double-cross.