Down the pan

A second-hand toilet seller takes a break in the Philippines. Photo: Romeo Ranoco / Reuters

Today's phrase
If something goes 'down the pan' or 'down the toilet' it means it is wasted or ruined.

For example:

Big mouth

A man opens a camel's mouth wide at a camel fair in Pushkar in India. Photo: Roberto Schmidt / AFP

f you 'are a big mouth' or 'have a big mouth' it means you talk too much, especially about things which should be kept secret or avoided.

For example:

Up to your neck

Flooding in Venice gives this man the chance for a swim in St Mark's Square. Photo: Luigi Costantini / AP

Walk tall

 

The Colombian city of Cartagena celebrates its independence with a parade and beauty pageants. Photo: Joaquin Sarmiento / Reuters

Second wind

 

Thousands of pieces of confetti float in the wind around US President Barack Obama. Photo: Jewel Samad / AFP / Getty Images

Ride it out

Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain wins gold in the Men's Individual Time Trial in the Road Cycling on day 5 of London 2012. Photo: Pascal Le Segretain.