See Also: In the hole(money)
jaw-hole(dictionary)
hole(1)(dictionary)
rat-hole(dictionary)
hole(2)(dictionary)
Hole(medicine)
Pie Hole(tourism)
Dry Hole(money)
dream-hole(dictionary)
pigeon-hole(dictionary)

rat-hole (iou)



rat-hole noun & verb. E19.
[from RAT noun1 + HOLE noun1.]
A. noun.
A hole lived in or used by a rat; fig. a cramped or squalid building etc., esp. one that is a refuge or hiding place. E19.
b. fig. A seemingly bottomless hole, esp. one down which expenditure disappears. N. Amer. M20.
Time To build..more airplanes would..amount to pouring half a billion dollars down a rat-hole.
Oil Industry. A shallow hole drilled near a well to accommodate the kelly when not in use; a small hole drilled at the bottom of a larger hole. E20.
b. verb intrans. & trans.
Oil Industry. Drill a small hole at the bottom of (a hole of larger diameter). E20.
Hide or store (esp. money). US slang. M20.