Exclusion is a common theme in language, often depicted through idioms that highlight the act of leaving someone out or isolating them. These idioms provide vivid imagery and emphasize the feeling of being excluded from a group or activity. Here are 20 idioms that describe exclusion, along with their meanings and example sentences.
1. Left Out in the Cold
Meaning: Excluded
Example: She felt left out in the cold when they didn’t invite her.
2. Out in the Cold
Meaning: Excluded
Example: He was left out in the cold after the promotion.
3. Black Sheep
Meaning: Outcast
Example: He was the black sheep of the family.
4. On the Outside Looking In
Meaning: Excluded observer
Example: She felt on the outside looking in during the meeting.
5. Out of the Loop
Meaning: Not informed
Example: I was out of the loop on the latest project updates.
6. Left Holding the Bag
Meaning: Blamed and isolated
Example: He was left holding the bag after the plan failed.
7. Cast Aside
Meaning: Rejected
Example: The new policy cast aside the old employees.
8. Thrown to the Wolves
Meaning: Left unprotected
Example: They threw him to the wolves during the negotiation.
9. Outcast
Meaning: Socially excluded
Example: She felt like an outcast in her new school.
10. Ostracized
Meaning: Excluded from a group
Example: He was ostracized by his peers for his beliefs.
11. Out of Favor
Meaning: Not preferred
Example: She was out of favor with the new management.
12. Out of the Picture
Meaning: Not involved
Example: He’s out of the picture in this project.
13. Sent Packing
Meaning: Dismissed
Example: They were sent packing after the incident.
14. Left High and Dry
Meaning: Abandoned
Example: The team was left high and dry by their leader.
15. Written Off
Meaning: Dismissed as unimportant
Example: He felt written off by his colleagues.
16. Excommunicated
Meaning: Officially excluded
Example: The member was excommunicated for his actions.
17. Cold Shoulder
Meaning: Ignored
Example: She gave him the cold shoulder at the party.
18. Shut Out
Meaning: Prevented from entering
Example: He was shut out from the competition.
19. Frozen Out
Meaning: Excluded from participation
Example: She was frozen out of the decision-making process.
20. Kicked to the Curb
Meaning: Rejected or dismissed
Example: He felt kicked to the curb after the breakup.
