up the river
1
in or to prison confinement
The idiom "up the river" originated in the United States in the 19th century and refers to the practice of transporting prisoners by boat or barge to penitentiaries located upstream along rivers. It is often employed in conversations or discussions surrounding criminal justice, legal matters, or personal anecdotes involving incarceration.
- He is up the river, serving a 10-year sentence for his involvement in the robbery.
- She is facing charges and might end up the river if found guilty.
- He went up the river and served his time, but he's turned his life around since then.
- They went up the river together and formed a bond while serving their sentences.
- He will go up the river if he doesn't change his ways and stop engaging in illegal activities.