Put through the wringer Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To make someone go through a very difficult, stressful, or painful experience, or to test someone severely.
Usage & Nuances
This idiom is informal, often used to describe challenging experiences at work, in relationships, or after interviews. Can be used passively: 'I was put through the wringer.' Not about literal machines, but compares to an old laundry wringer squeezing out water—here, pressure or hardship is squeezed out of a person.
Example Sentences
The test really put me through the wringer.
basic
She was put through the wringer during the interview.
basic
After the surgery, he felt like he had been put through the wringer.
basic
Wow, this week really put me through the wringer at work.
natural
He looked like he'd been put through the wringer after the argument.
natural
They put us through the wringer to get that loan approved.
natural