Phrase guide

put through the wringer

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To interrogate or scrutinize closely; to subject to some trial or ordeal.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • They really put each candidate through the wringer before choosing one to hire.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: vetää mankelin läpi — to subject to trial or ordeal
  • Polish: wypytywać — to subject to trial or ordeal
  • Polish: wypytać — to subject to trial or ordeal