Welcome to our fun exploration of river idioms! Rivers are not just water; they inspire many common phrases we use in English. Let’s learn some together!
River Idioms
Here are 20 river idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Sell down the river
Meaning: Betray someone
Example: He felt like he was sold down the river by his colleague.
2. Cry me a river
Meaning: Complain excessively
Example: Oh, cry me a river; it’s not that bad!
3. Cross the river by feeling the stones
Meaning: Progress cautiously
Example: We should cross the river by feeling the stones with this project.
4. River of no return
Meaning: A point beyond which one cannot go back
Example: This decision is a river of no return.
5. Up river
Meaning: Going to prison (slang)
Example: If caught, he’ll be sent up river.
6. Throw in the river
Meaning: Completely discard or eliminate
Example: His old laptop was so bad, he wanted to throw it in the river.
7. River runs through it
Meaning: Something has a defining or influential characteristic
Example: A sense of history really rivers runs through this town.
8. River of opportunity
Meaning: A continual chance for success
Example: He sees his new job as a river of opportunity.
9. Rivers of ink
Meaning: A lot of discussion or writing
Example: Rivers of ink have been spilled on this controversy.
10. River of sorrow
Meaning: Deep, continuous sadness
Example: His loss left him with a river of sorrow.
11. Bend in the river
Meaning: A major change or shift in direction
Example: His career took a bend in the river after that project.
12. Rivers run dry
Meaning: Resources or opportunities are exhausted
Example: We need to innovate before our ideas river runs dry.
13. River of life
Meaning: The dynamic aspect of human existence
Example: We all must navigate the river of life.
14. Down by the river
Meaning: To be in a secluded or distant location
Example: They built their cabin down by the river.
15. River of dreams
Meaning: A visionary or imaginary pathway
Example: He followed his river of dreams to become an artist.
16. River of fire
Meaning: A severe trial or ordeal
Example: She went through a river of fire during the lawsuit.
17. Rivers of blood
Meaning: Extreme violence or conflict
Example: The revolution led to rivers of blood.
18. River of time
Meaning: The continuous flow of past, present, and future
Example: We are all carried along the river of time.
19. River of wealth
Meaning: A source of abundant monetary gain
Example: The new market is a river of wealth for the company.
20. River of words
Meaning: Excessive talk or dialogue
Example: His apology was a veritable river of words.
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