Sell down the river meaning

Sell down the river definitions

Sell down the river is a phrase that originated during the time of slavery in the United States. It refers to betraying or deceiving someone, often for personal gain, in a way that leads to serious consequences for the person being betrayed. This expression has its roots in the practice of selling slaves "down the river" to plantations in the Deep South where conditions were harsher and escape was more difficult.

The phrase "sell down the river" carries a heavy connotation of betrayal and exploitation. It symbolizes the ultimate act of disloyalty, where someone is willing to sacrifice another person's well-being for their own benefit. The historical context of slavery adds layers of complexity to this expression, highlighting the deep-seated injustices and inequalities that have plagued societies throughout history.

Origins of the Phrase

The phrase "sell down the river" became popular during the antebellum period in the United States when slaves were often sold from the Upper South to the Lower South. Being sold "down the river" meant being sent to harsher conditions with little hope of escape or freedom. The phrase soon evolved to represent any act of betrayal that resulted in dire consequences for the person being betrayed.

Modern Usage

Today, the expression "sell down the river" is used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is betrayed or exploited for the benefit of others. It conveys a sense of deep disappointment and hurt, capturing the feeling of being let down by someone you trusted. The phrase serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of betrayal and the importance of trust in relationships.

sell The use of this word in the phrase "sell down the river" emphasizes the transactional nature of betrayal, where someone is willing to exchange another person's well-being for personal gain.

river The word "river" symbolizes a barrier or boundary that once crossed, leads to a point of no return. In the context of betrayal, being "sold down the river" represents a betrayal that is difficult to recover from.

Sell down the river Examples

1. She felt betrayed when her best friend decided to sell her down the river for a new group of friends.
2. The company's CEO made a controversial decision to sell down the river its loyal employees to cut costs.
3. After promising to support the cause, the politician chose to sell down the river the activists by backing out at the last minute.
4. The coach was accused of selling down the river his star player by benching him for the championship game.
5. The company's shareholders were shocked when the board of directors voted to sell down the river its valuable assets.
6. He was willing to sell down the river his integrity in exchange for a promotion at work.
7. The teacher felt guilty for selling down the river her students by giving them unfair grades.
8. The celebrity's publicist decided to sell down the river their client by leaking scandalous information to the press.
9. The athlete refused to sell down the river his teammates by taking all the credit for their victory.
10. The manager chose to sell down the river his principles in order to secure a lucrative business deal.

Most accessed