How Do You Spell SELLS DOWN THE RIVER?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛlz dˌa͡ʊn ðə ɹˈɪvə] (IPA)

The phrase "sells down the river" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that means betraying someone's trust for personal gain, typically used in political or business contexts. The spelling of the word "sells" is straightforward, but the phrase's origin is related to the slave trade along the Mississippi River. The word "down" is pronounced as /daʊn/ and not /dəʊn/ due to the word's stressed syllable in the expression. The word "river" is pronounced /ˈrɪvər/ and not /ˈraɪvər/ due to the lack of stress on the second syllable.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
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SELLS DOWN THE RIVER Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "sells down the river" is an idiomatic expression with a historical connotation. It is commonly used to describe an act of betrayal or deception committed by someone against a person or group that has trusted them. The expression originated during times of slavery in the United States. In this context, it referred to the act of selling enslaved individuals further down the Mississippi River, usually resulting in worse and more brutal conditions for the slaves.

    Today, the phrase has evolved to encompass a broader meaning beyond slavery. It generally implies the act of betraying or sacrificing someone's well-being, interests, or trust for personal gain or advantage. When a person "sells someone down the river," they are essentially acting against the best interests of the individual or group, often in exchange for personal benefits or to appease someone else.

    This expression is commonly used in situations where someone is manipulated, deceived, or let down by someone they thought they could trust. It carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting a profound breach of trust and a sense of moral betrayal. Ultimately, the phrase "sells down the river" encapsulates the idea of a person exploiting the vulnerability, trust, or dependency of another for their own gain, disregarding the consequences inflicted upon the person being betrayed.

Common Misspellings for SELLS DOWN THE RIVER

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