over and out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘over and out’ mean?
The idiom "over and out" is used to indicate the end of a communication, especially in radio conversations. It is an informal way to say that you have finished speaking and are signing off.
Idiom Explorer
Meaning: To formally end or conclude something, often by giving permission or approval.
The idiom "see you later" is an informal way of saying goodbye or farewell to someone with the intention to meet again in the near future.
The idiom "say no more" is used to convey that there is no need to provide further explanation or information, as the listener already understands the intended meaning.
The idiom "say goodbye" means to part or separate from someone or something, often permanently. It implies a finality or ending to a relationship, situation, or opportunity.
The idiom "run out" means to exhaust the supply of something or to reach the end of a limited resource. It implies that there is no more of that specific thing available.
The idiom "ride off into the sunset" means to have a happy or satisfying ending or departure, often in a romantic or idealized way.
The idiom "put paid to" means to end or finish something, especially in a decisive or final manner.
The idiom "put an end to" means to bring something to a conclusion or stop it completely.
The idiom "parting shot" refers to a final remark or action, often sarcastic or critical, made just before leaving or ending a situation or conversation.
The idiom "over the hill" refers to reaching a point in life where someone is considered old or past their prime, often used to describe someone who is no longer young or able to do things as well as they used to.
Codeword's Meaning
Over and out is an idiom that originated in the field of telecommunications. It is commonly used by radio operators to indicate the end of a conversation. The idiom is formed by combining the words "over," meaning the transmission is finished and the other party can respond, and "out," indicating that the conversation is concluded and no further reply is expected.
The phrase is most often associated with military radio communication during World War II. It was frequently used as a concise way to indicate the end of a message and to avoid confusion or overlapping transmissions. Its usage helped ensure clear and efficient communication between operators.
The idiom's origins lie in radio and telegraphy etiquette, which established standard rules for communication among operators. The use of "over" to indicate the end of a transmission and "out" to mark the end of a conversation was adopted to streamline communication and prevent unnecessary back-and-forth exchanges.
As technology advanced, the idiom began to be used in other domains beyond radio communication. It became a popular phrase in everyday conversation, often used humorously or ironically. Although its original context was specific to radio operators, it now has a broader connotation and can be used to signify "come to an end" of any kind of interaction or discussion.
The idiom "over and out" retains a sense of authority and finality. It conveys the idea of closing a conversation definitively and moving on to other matters. In some cases, its usage can also imply a degree of dismissiveness or the desire to end a conversation abruptly.
Despite its widespread use, the idiom is not without controversy. Some argue that its combination of "over" and "out" is redundant, as "over" already indicates that the other party can respond. However, this redundancy may have developed as a way to emphasize the finality of the conversation's conclusion.
"Over and out" can be related to the idiom "sign off". Both idioms convey the idea of ending a conversation or communication. "Sign off" is often used in broadcasting, where hosts or presenters end their program or segment. Similarly, "over and out" is used in radio communication to indicate the end of a conversation.
Another related idiom is "come to an end". This idiom implies the completion or termination of something. "Over and out" signifies the end of a conversation, which can be seen as coming to an end just as any other interaction or discussion would.
The idiom "on end" can also be related to "over and out". "On end" means continuously or without a break. While "over and out" does not specifically convey this concept, it does indicate the finality of a communication or conversation. It suggests that there will be no further interaction or response, bringing the communication to a complete stop.
"over and out" originated in the field of telecommunications and was primarily associated with military radio communication during World War II. It has since become a commonly used phrase to signify the end of a conversation or interaction. While its original context may have been restricted to radio operators, its usage has expanded to other domains. The idiom conveys a sense of authority and finality, though its combination of "over" and "out" has been subject to debate. Despite this controversy, "over and out" remains a widely recognized and frequently used idiom in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "over and out" can be used in a sentence:
- "We are finished with our conversation, over and out." (Used to signify the end of a radio transmission.)
- "I tried to reason with him, but he was dismissive, saying 'over and out' to end the discussion abruptly." (Used metaphorically to imply ending a conversation or cutting off communication.)
- "She completed her presentation confidently and declared 'over and out' as she left the stage." (Used to express finality or decisiveness in a situation.)
More "Communications" idioms
