up the river

Idioms and Phrases

To or in prison, as in They sent him up the river for five years . This phrase originally referred to Sing-Sing Prison, on the Hudson River about 30 miles north of New York City. So used from about 1890 on, it was broadened to apply to any prison by the early 1900s.

Example Sentences

California officials have joined a legal effort to restore water to the Kern River after an abrupt shutoff of water dried up the river and killed thousands of fish in Bakersfield.

From Los Angeles Times

The groups, led by Bring Back the Kern and Water Audit California, sued Bakersfield in 2022, arguing that allowing water diversions to dry up the river violates California’s public trust doctrine, the principle that certain natural resources must be preserved for the public.

From Los Angeles Times

For seven years she’s been an activist fighting to clean up the river as a volunteer with Surfrider, a nonprofit that works to preserve ocean access and cleanliness.

From Los Angeles Times

When six environmental groups sued Bakersfield in 2022, they argued that allowing water diversions to dry up the river violates California’s public trust doctrine, the principle that certain natural resources must be preserved for the public.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Hector Pardoe praised Paris 2024 organisers for cleaning up the River Seine after the Briton came sixth in the men's 10km marathon swim.

From BBC

Related Words

• confinement
• jail
• lockup
• penitentiary