How to Pronounce "up the river"
expression
ˈəp/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɪvɝ
UHP-thuh-RIV-er
ˈʌp/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɹɪvə
UP-thuh-RIV-uh
Definition
This expression means to send someone to prison or jail. It can also mean that someone has been betrayed or abandoned, especially in a legal context.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈəp/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɪvɝ
British English
ˈʌp/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɹɪvə
Simplified Pronunciation
US
UHP-thuh-RIV-er
UK
UP-thuh-RIV-uh
Listen in Context
He was sent up the river for robbery.
They caught her stealing and she went up the river.
If you break the law, you might end up the river.
His partner betrayed him and sent him up the river.