parcel out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘parcel out’ mean?
The idiom parcel out means to distribute or divide something into smaller portions or shares.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "send away for" means to order something by mail or online. It suggests that the person cannot obtain the item locally and needs to request it from somewhere else.
The idiom "sell down" means to reduce or decrease the number or amount of something that is being sold. It typically refers to selling stocks or shares in a company.
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 "rent out" means to allow someone to use or occupy a property or space in exchange for payment. It is commonly used when describing the action of leasing or letting out a property for a specific period of time.
The idiom "putty in someone's hands" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, easily manipulated or influenced by that person.
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
The idiom "put forward" means to propose or suggest something for consideration or discussion. It is often used when presenting an idea, argument, or opinion in a formal setting or during a meeting.
The idiom "put down for" means to allocate or designate someone for a particular task or responsibility.
The idiom "pull apart" means to separate or dismantle something by applying force or pressure, often resulting in damage or destruction. It can also refer to analyzing or examining something in great detail, often with the intent to criticize or find faults.
Origins Unveiled
First used in the early 17th century, the idiom "parcel out" has an interesting history and meaning. It is a phrasal verb that originated from the noun "parcel," which refers to a portion or a package of something. The Oxford English Dictionary defines "parcel out" as to distribute or divide something into portions or parts.
The phrase "parcel out" is thought to have its origins in the practice of dividing or distributing parcels of land in feudal societies. During colonial times, the term became associated with the distribution of land in America among settlers and landholders. Over time, the use of "parcel out" extended beyond just the division of land to encompass a broader range of contexts involving the allocation or sharing of various resources.
While the idiom can be used in different circumstances, it is often used figuratively to convey the idea of distributing or dividing something intangible, such as work, responsibilities, or even time. For example, a manager might "parcel out" tasks among team members or a parent might "dole out" chores among their children. The phrase can also be used to describe the dividing of a finite resource, such as money or food, among a group of people.
One interesting aspect of "parcel out" is that it suggests a deliberate and intentional division or distribution. It implies a conscious decision or action on the part of the person doing the parceling. This distinguishes it from other idioms that convey a more random or haphazard allocation. The use of "parcel out" implies a certain level of control and intentionality in the division process.
Interestingly, "parcel out" is closely related to other idiomatic expressions such as "divide up," "split up," and "share out." While these phrases have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably, there may be subtle differences in usage or connotation. "Parcel out" often implies a more organized or deliberate division, while "divide up" and "share out" may be used in a broader range of contexts, including situations where the division is less planned or intentional.
The idiom "parcel out" provides a concise way to convey the concept of dividing or distributing something among multiple recipients. Whether referring to the allocation of tasks, resources, or responsibilities, this idiom offers a versatile and widely understood expression.
The phrase "spread out" is closely related to "parcel out" in that it also conveys the idea of dividing or distributing something. However, "spread out" suggests a wider or more extensive distribution, often implying that something is being distributed over a larger area or among a larger group of people.
For example, if a company decides to "parcel out" its products to different regions, it may choose to "spread out" its distribution network to reach a wider customer base. In this case, "spread out" emphasizes the idea of expanding the distribution to cover a greater territory or customer segment.
Similarly, the phrase "give out" can be used in conjunction with "parcel out" to describe the act of distributing or dividing something. While "parcel out" focuses on the intentional division or allocation, "give out" emphasizes the action of providing or delivering something to others.
For instance, if a nonprofit organization wants to "parcel out" resources to those in need, it may choose to "give out" food packages to families facing food insecurity. Here, "give out" highlights the act of providing goods or assistance to others, while "parcel out" underscores the intentional division or allocation of those resources.
The idiomatic expression "parcel out" has a rich history and is widely used to convey the act of dividing or distributing something among multiple recipients. It can be used in various contexts and is often used figuratively to describe the allocation of tasks, resources, or responsibilities. Additionally, "parcel out" is closely related to other idioms such as "dole out," "spread out," and "give out," each emphasizing different aspects of the distribution process. These idioms provide us with effective and versatile ways to communicate the concept of division and allocation in both formal and informal settings.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom parcel out can be used in a sentence:
- The teacher needs to parcel out the worksheets to each student.
- The estate lawyer will parcel out the deceased's assets to the beneficiaries.
- The company decided to parcel out the workload among the team members.
More "Distribution" idioms
