Wringer

/ˈrɪŋ.ər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A device used to twist and squeeze moisture from something, such as clothes.

She used the wringer to remove excess water from the laundry.

A difficult or challenging situation that puts someone under great stress or pressure.

The team went through the wringer during the final weeks of the project.

A person or thing that imposes pressure or hardship on another.

Dealing with the demands of the new job felt like a wringer.

From the verb 'wring', meaning to twist or squeeze something tightly.

in the wringer

In a difficult or challenging situation.

put someone through the wringer

To subject someone to a severe test or ordeal.

out of the wringer

Emerging from a challenging situation.

wring

To twist or squeeze something to force liquid out.

squeeze

To apply pressure to something, causing it to change shape or force content out.

A tough situation or hardship.

That exam was a real wringer!

To exhaust or tire someone out.

The hike really wrung me out.