How to Pronounce "sell down the river"
expression
ˈsɛɫ/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɪvɝ
SEL DOWN thuh RIV-er
sˈɛl/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɹɪvə
SEL DOWN thuh RIV-uh
Definition
To betray someone or let them down, especially for your own gain. The phrase is used when someone is treated unfairly or sacrificed by someone they trusted.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsɛɫ/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɪvɝ
British English
sˈɛl/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɹɪvə
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SEL DOWN thuh RIV-er
UK
SEL DOWN thuh RIV-uh
Listen in Context
I can't believe you sold me down the river for a promotion.
He felt like his friends sold him down the river at the meeting.
Don't sell your team down the river just to save yourself.
After all we've been through, you really sold me down the river?