putting through the wringer
Exhausting ordeal imposed
To put someone through the wringer is to subject them to a grueling, exhausting ordeal—an interrogation, a difficult process, or sustained hardship that leaves them drained.
The image comes from old-fashioned clothes wringers that squeezed water from laundry by pressing fabric between rollers: The divorce put her through the wringer.
Job interviews at that company really put you through the wringer.
- baptism by fireDifficult first test
- ordealDifficult, painful experience
- gauntletProtective armored handwear
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- proving groundLocation for trials
put to the test · trial and error · sink or swim · stress · crucible · trial by fire · under fire · endurance · hard knocks · rough ride · strain · vetting · anguish · examination · suffering · grilling · torment · assessment
putting through the wringerhandling with kid gloves
Treating with excessive gentleness
coddling · pampering · letting off easy · babying · sparing
putting through the wringernurturing
Supportive care-giving
taking care of · looking after · restoring · healing · comforting
putting through the wringerrolling out the red carpet
Lavish formal reception
letting slide · smooth sailing · easy ride · rubber-stamping · cakewalk