suck dry: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘suck dry’ mean?
The idiom "suck dry" means to completely drain or exhaust something, often referring to resources, funds, or energy. It implies taking everything from a person or situation, leaving nothing behind.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sweep out" means to remove or get rid of something completely, typically in a forceful or decisive manner.
The idiom "sweep away" means to completely remove or eliminate something, often in a forceful or dramatic manner.
The idiom *suck on that* is an offensive phrase used to assert dominance or superiority over someone by bragging about one's achievements or proving them wrong in a confrontational manner.
The idiom "suck it up" means to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining or showing weakness. It suggests that one should endure the situation and deal with it stoically.
The idiom "suck it" is a slang expression used to dismiss or insult someone, often in a rude and aggressive manner.
Suck it is an idiom that is commonly used in everyday American English. It is a slang phrase that originated in the late 20th century and has since become a part of popular culture. The meaning of this idiom is simple and carries a strong sense of defiance, dismissal, or triumph.
The idiom "suck down" means to consume something quickly or with enthusiasm, often referring to drinks or food. It is a colloquial expression used to describe the act of drinking or eating something in a hearty or eager manner.
The idiom "suck donkey balls" is a vulgar expression used to describe something as extremely negative, unacceptable, or unpleasant.
In the realm of idiomatic expressions, one phrase that stands out for its potent and colorful imagery is "suck donkey balls." This idiom, though deemed offensive by some, has made its way into modern slang and cultural discourse.
The idiom "suck and blow" means to repeatedly change one's opinion or stance on a subject, often in a self-serving or inconsistent manner.
The idiom "suck and blow" is an interesting phrase that has a variety of meanings in American English. It implies a sense of inconsistency or hypocrisy, as if an individual is trying to have it both ways. This idiom can be applied to various situations, such as politics, interpersonal relationships, or personal choices.
The idiom "suck a lemon" means to have a sour or unpleasant experience. It implies dealing with something unenjoyable or unfavorable.
The idiom "suck a lemon" is a figurative phrase that can be used to convey a sense of displeasure, sourness, or bitterness towards a situation or an individual. Its origin and meaning can be traced back to the early years of the English language.
FAIL
The idiom "suck dry" is a vivid expression in English that means completely draining or depleting something. It can be used to describe the exhaustion of money, resources, energy, or opportunities. The phrase combines the idea of vigorous consumption with a state of being devoid of substance. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but its power and versatility make it a valuable addition to the English language.
One common usage of "suck dry" is in relation to finances or resources. When someone or something "sucks dry" a source or an individual, it means extracting all available funds or assets without mercy. For example, phrases like "He sucked the company dry" or "The recession sucked the lifeblood out of the economy" illustrate this usage. The idiom conveys the idea of a relentless draining that leaves nothing behind.
Another use of "suck dry" is to describe situations involving energy or effort. When someone is described as "sucking dry" another person or group, it means exhausting them and depleting their vitality or enthusiasm. For instance, expressions like "Her demanding job sucked her dry" or "The constant negativity in the office sucked the joy out of him" demonstrate this usage. The idiom conveys a sense of complete depletion, leaving the person devoid of energy or motivation.
In addition to finances and energy, "suck dry" can also be used metaphorically to describe the complete exploitation of opportunities or possibilities. When something is "sucked dry," it means that all potential benefits or advantages have been fully exhausted, leaving nothing more to gain. For example, phrases like "The market has been sucked dry of profitable investments" or "The available options have been sucked dry" exemplify this usage. The idiom signifies a complete utilization or exploration of a particular area, with no room for further exploitation.
While the specific origin and historical usage of "suck dry" are uncertain, its metaphorical power and expressive nature make it a valuable idiom in the English language. The image evoked by the phrase captures the idea of thorough depletion and consumption, whether it be financial, energetic, or in the realm of opportunities. Its versatility allows for its application in various contexts, making it a useful and evocative idiom for conveying the notion of complete drainage or exploitation. Like many idioms, "suck dry" offers a colorful snapshot of human experience that continues to resonate in contemporary usage.
The idiom "bone dry" is closely related to "suck dry" in that it also conveys a complete lack or absence. When something is described as "bone dry," it means it is completely devoid of moisture or substance. The idiom can be used to describe locations that are extremely arid or objects that are extremely dry. For example, phrases like "The desert was bone dry" or "The well ran bone dry" illustrate this usage. The idiom "bone dry" emphasizes the complete absence of any moisture and is often used to convey the idea of extreme dryness.
The idiom "suck it" is another related expression that carries a similar connotation to "suck dry." When someone is told to "suck it," it is a directive to endure or tolerate a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaint. The idiom can be used in a confrontational or dismissive manner, implying that the person should simply accept their circumstances. For example, phrases like "You don't like the rules? Well, you can just suck it" or "If you can't handle the pressure, suck it" demonstrate this usage. The idiom "suck it" suggests enduring or accepting a situation without resistance or complaint.
The idiom "dry up and blow away" is also related to "suck dry" in that it conveys a state of complete disappearance or vanishing. When something is said to "dry up and blow away," it means it has disintegrated or crumbled away completely. The idiom is often used to describe the disappearance of something, whether it be a dream, plan, or opportunity. For instance, phrases like "His hopes and dreams dried up and blew away" or "The once thriving business dried up and blew away" illustrate this usage. The idiom emphasizes the complete and irreversible disappearance of something.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "suck dry" can be used in a sentence:
- She is so financially irresponsible that she will suck her bank account dry in no time.
- The drought has caused the fields to wither, and the sun continues to suck them dry.
- He will do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means sucking his opponents dry in a merciless competition.
More "Usage" idioms
