SELLS DOWN RIVER Meaning and
Definition
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The idiomatic expression "sells down river" refers to the act of betraying or deceiving someone for personal gain or advantage, particularly by sacrificing their trust or welfare. This phrase originated from the historical practice of selling slaves, which involved transferring them from regions further upriver to the lower regions along the Mississippi River. These lower regions were notorious for harsher living conditions and, consequently, a greater likelihood of the slaves being mistreated or subjected to more arduous labor.
In a broader sense, "sells down river" has come to represent any situation in which one person betrays another by placing their interests or well-being at a disadvantage or compromising their principles. This act can involve manipulation, exploitation, or any form of deceitful behavior that ultimately leads to harm or loss for the individual being betrayed.
The expression is typically used metaphorically in contemporary contexts to describe scenarios beyond the literal sale of slaves. For instance, it can describe a boss firing an employee to protect their own reputation, a friend revealing secrets for personal gain, or a politician abandoning campaign promises after winning an election. In each case, the person committing the betrayal is seen as prioritizing their own interests or objectives while disregarding or causing harm to someone they were supposed to protect or support.
Common Misspellings for SELLS DOWN RIVER
- aells down river
- zells down river
- xells down river
- dells down river
- eells down river
- wells down river
- swlls down river
- sslls down river
- sdlls down river
- srlls down river
- s4lls down river
- s3lls down river
- sekls down river
- sepls down river
- seols down river
- selks down river
- selps down river
- selos down river
- sella down river
- sellz down river
