laugh out of court: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘laugh out of court’ mean?
The idiom "laugh out of court" means to ridicule or dismiss something as ridiculous or absurd, especially in a legal context. It implies that the argument or claim is so lacking in credibility that it would not be taken seriously in a court of law.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *laugh up one's sleeve* means to secretly find amusement or satisfaction in a situation without showing it openly. It implies a hidden or sly sense of humor.
The idiom "laugh one's head off" means to laugh uncontrollably and excessively.
The idiom "laugh in one's sleeve" means to secretly or quietly find something amusing or funny without showing it openly.
The idiom "laughing stock" refers to a person or thing that is ridiculed and made fun of by others, causing amusement and laughter. It carries a negative connotation and is often associated with someone who is seen as absurd, ridiculous, or deserving of mockery.
The idiom "laugh all the way to the bank" means to feel a sense of satisfaction or joy when you have made a lot of money or have been successful in financial matters.
The idiom "jury is out" means that a decision or verdict has not been reached yet and it is still uncertain or undetermined. It can be used when discussing a situation or topic where the outcome or final judgment is not clear.
The idiomatic phrase "in jest" means to say or do something as a joke or in a lighthearted manner, not intended to be taken seriously.
The idiom "have a laugh" means to find something amusing or entertaining and to enjoy a good laugh or joke.
The idiom "get outta here" is used to express disbelief or surprise at something someone has said. It is often used in an informal or casual setting to show skepticism or astonishment. The phrase can also be used playfully or sarcastically.
The idiom "get out of here" is commonly used as a way to express disbelief or skepticism towards something. It is often used to show surprise or astonishment, and can be used in a variety of situations to convey a sense of disbelief or incredulity.
The Legal Laughter
The idiom "laugh out of court" is a phrase with a clear and specific meaning. It is used to describe a situation where a legal action or claim is dismissed or rejected by a court due to its lack of merit or credibility. The idiom implies that the court finds the case so absurd or ridiculous that it provokes laughter.
The origin and etymology of this idiom are not readily available or extensively documented. It is a relatively uncommon idiom, thus limiting the available information on its history. Nevertheless, its meaning and usage are consistent across various sources, indicating its existence and recognition as a coherent phrase.
When analyzing the idiom "laugh out of court" further, it is important to note that it originates from the realm of law and legal proceedings. The phrase highlights the role of courts in deliberating legal matters and the authority they hold in assessing the validity of claims. By using this idiom, individuals convey the idea that a case lacks any substantial evidence or legal merit, making it not only unfit for judicial consideration but even worthy of amusement. This expression emphasizes the court's power to dismiss frivolous lawsuits and deter dishonest or baseless legal actions.
It is worth noting that the idiom "laugh out of court" is not limited to any specific jurisdiction or legal system. Its usage is not constrained to any particular region or language, although it predominantly appears in English-speaking contexts. Furthermore, this idiom is not connected to any specific historical periods or cultural traditions, adding to its universality and cross-cultural recognition.
As with many idiomatic expressions, the usage of "laugh out of court" extends beyond its literal interpretation. The phrase can be applied metaphorically to describe situations outside of the legal realm. In a broader sense, it illustrates the rejection or dismissal of an idea, argument, or claim due to its weakness or lack of credibility. Like a court dismissing a frivolous lawsuit, individuals can dismiss or reject certain propositions or statements with laughter, indicating their lack of seriousness or rationality.
The related idiom "burst out laughing" shares a similar concept with "laugh out of court." Just as a court's decision to dismiss a case can provoke laughter, a funny or unexpected situation can elicit a sudden, uncontrollable burst of laughter from an individual. Whether it's a hilarious joke, a comical mishap, or a ridiculous scenario, the notion of bursting out laughing captures the spontaneous and uncontrollable nature of the laughter that can follow the use of "laugh out of court."
Another related idiom, "have a laugh," involves a more intentional and deliberate act of seeking amusement or enjoyment. When people "have a laugh," they actively engage in activities or conversations that are light-hearted, humorous, or entertaining. This idiomatic expression emphasizes the voluntary nature of laughter and the pleasure derived from engaging in amusing or enjoyable experiences. While "laugh out of court" may unintentionally provoke laughter due to the absurdity of a legal case, "having a laugh" implies a deliberate pursuit of laughter for one's own pleasure.
Lastly, the idiom "laugh one's head off" takes the concept of laughter even further. It suggests such intense laughter that one's head figuratively detaches or separates from their body. This idiomatic expression conveys the idea of extreme amusement or hilarity, as if the laughter reaches such a level of intensity that it becomes uncontrollable and overwhelming.
The idiom "laugh out of court" is a concise and evocative expression that encapsulates the dismissal of an absurd or baseless legal action. Its origins may not be extensively documented, but its usage and meaning remain consistent. While it is predominantly used in legal contexts, the idiom possesses a metaphorical element that allows for broader application. Through its simplicity and effectiveness, this idiom serves as a reminder of the authority and discernment of the court in evaluating claims, while also inviting reflection on the dismissal and rejection of unfounded ideas or arguments beyond the legal sphere.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *laugh out of court* can be used in a sentence:
- When the lawyer presented that ridiculous argument, the judge laughed him out of court.
- The defendant's alibi was so unbelievable that the jury laughed it out of court.
- Despite her best efforts to convince the supervisor, he just laughed her out of court and refused to consider her idea.
More "Dismissal" idioms
