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Washed up

Washed up

Meaning

1. Deposited on a beach by the tide. 2. Finished and failed, with no further chance of success.

Examples

1. Come and see, there’s a shark washed up on the beach. 2. She used to be a great actress until she started on the booze. Now no one will hire her – she’s all washed up.

Where did it originate?

1. Britain, 17th century. 2. USA, 1920s.

Where is it used?

1. Worldwide. 2. Mostly USA.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Washed up

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