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Wrack and Ruin

What Does "Wrack and Ruin" Mean?

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"Wrack and ruin" is an English idiom. It means "complete destruction or devastation, often used to describe the aftermath of a disaster or the decline of something once prosperous."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "wrack and ruin" used in a sentence:
  • The historic building fell into wrack and ruin after years of neglect.
  • The war left the city in wrack and ruin, with many homes and businesses destroyed.
  • The financial crisis brought the company to wrack and ruin, leading to its bankruptcy.
meaning for wrack and ruin

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Wrack and Ruin" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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