go by the board: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go by the board’ mean?
The idiom "go by the board" means to be disregarded, ignored, or abandoned. It refers to something that is set aside or eliminated, usually due to changing circumstances or priorities.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "off board" means to remove or exclude someone or something from a particular situation or group. It can also refer to someone or something that is not part of the official or formal structure or process.
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 "leave at the door" means to put aside or forget about something, usually negative or burdensome, and not let it affect the current situation or environment.
The idiom "kick to the curb" means to reject or dismiss someone or something, usually in a harsh or abrupt manner.
The idiom "go with the wind" means to be unpredictable or easily swayed by circumstances, lacking firmness or commitment.
The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" means to become extinct or disappear completely, like the dodo bird did several centuries ago. It implies that something or someone is on the path towards total disappearance or obsolescence.
The idiom "go the way of the dinosaurs" means to become extinct or obsolete, similar to how dinosaurs disappeared from the Earth millions of years ago.
The Disappearance
The idiom "go by the board" is a phrase that has been used in the English language for centuries. It originated from nautical terminology, specifically from the act of throwing items overboard during a storm or in emergencies. This phrase is often used to indicate that something is being disregarded, abandoned, or neglected. It can also convey the idea of something being lost or wasted, as if it were tossed overboard.
The phrase first appeared in written form in the early 17th century and has continued to be used up to the present day. Its origin is believed to be related to the use of "board" to refer to the side of a ship or the deck area. In nautical terms, objects or people that are thrown or fall overboard are said to have gone "by the board."
Over time, the figurative meaning of the phrase has extended beyond its original nautical context and can now refer to various situations and subjects. It is a versatile idiom that can be used to express the idea of something being disregarded or abandoned.
The related idiom "go by the wayside" shares a similar meaning with "go by the board." It also means to be disregarded, abandoned, or neglected. However, "go by the wayside" emphasizes the idea of something being left behind or forgotten. It suggests that something was once on a path or course but has now been cast aside or left in the past.
An example of how "go by the wayside" can be used in a sentence is: "Many New Year's resolutions go by the wayside by the end of January."
The other related idiom, "fall by the wayside," also conveys a similar meaning to "go by the board" and "go by the wayside." It refers to something or someone being abandoned or neglected. It suggests that something or someone was once on a journey or a path but has now been left behind or forgotten.
An example of how "fall by the wayside" can be used in a sentence is: "Several candidates dropped out of the race, falling by the wayside as the competition intensified."
The idiom "go by the board" is an expression that has deep roots in nautical terminology. It has evolved beyond its original meaning to become a versatile phrase that can be applied to various situations. The related idioms "go by the wayside" and "fall by the wayside" share similar meanings and emphasize the idea of something being disregarded or left behind. These idioms remind us of the transient nature of our choices and the potential consequences of neglect or abandonment.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *go by the board* can be used:
- His plan to save money for a trip went by the board when his car broke down and needed expensive repairs.
- The company's new marketing strategy went by the board when their main competitor launched a more effective advertising campaign.
- My goal to eat healthier went by the board when I couldn't resist ordering pizza for dinner.
More "Neglect" idioms
