give something a miss: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give something a miss’ mean?
The idiom "give something a miss" means to intentionally choose not to do or attend something. It implies a decision to skip or avoid the particular activity or event.
Idiom Explorer
"Let's not and say we did" is an idiom used to suggest avoiding an activity or responsibility while still claiming to have done it. It implies a desire to evade or deceive without facing the consequences of the truth.
The idiom "let slide" means to intentionally ignore or disregard something, usually a mistake or an offense, without taking any action or expressing disapproval.
Meaning: To stop or cease doing something or to end an activity or behavior.
This idiom is commonly used to indicate the act of discontinuing or putting an end to a particular action or behavior.
The idiom "leave behind" means to forget or not bring something with you when you go somewhere. It can also mean to abandon or neglect someone or something.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The idiom "have no time for" means to have a negative opinion or lack of interest in someone or something.
It suggests a lack of patience or willingness to engage, often due to disapproval or indifference.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
The idiom "go on the mitch" means to intentionally skip work or school without a valid excuse or reason.
The Intriguing Omission
The idiom "give something a miss" is a commonly used phrase that originated in the early 19th century. It is primarily used in informal spoken English and is less frequently found in written texts. The meaning of the idiom is easily understood. When someone says they are going to "give something a miss," they are intentionally avoiding or skipping that particular thing or activity. This can be due to lack of interest, time constraints, or the belief that it is not worth experiencing or participating in.
The phrase "give something a miss" is often used in the context of social or leisure activities. For example, if a friend invites you to a movie that you have no interest in seeing, you can respond by saying, "I think I'll give it a miss this time." This implies your decision to not attend the movie and perhaps do something else instead. The idiom can also be applied to other aspects of life, such as declining an offer or opportunity, avoiding certain food or drink, or choosing to skip a particular chapter or section when reading a book.
The figurative sense of the idiom conveys a deliberate act of omission or avoidance. It reflects the individual's autonomy and agency in deciding what they want to engage with or avoid. An example of a related idiom is "give someone the slip," which means to escape from someone's pursuit or surveillance. It is similar to "give something a miss" in that it involves avoiding or evading something or someone. Another related idiom is "go without," which means to live or survive without something that is considered necessary. It can be used in the context of intentionally choosing to go without a particular experience, item, or opportunity.
While the exact origin of the idiom "give something a miss" is not well-documented, its evolution can be inferred from the notion of passing by or overlooking something. The use of the verb "give" suggests the act of voluntarily refraining from something, while the word "miss" connotes the idea of skipping or bypassing. Overall, the idiom serves as a reminder of the personal agency we possess in navigating our experiences and opportunities.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give something a miss" can be used in a sentence are:
- I'm not feeling well, so I'm going to give the party a miss tonight.
- The movie has received bad reviews, so I think I'll give it a miss and watch something else.
- She decided to give the buffet a miss and opt for a healthier option instead.
More "Avoidance" idioms
