stick out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stick out’ mean?
Idiom: stick out
Meaning: To be noticeable or easily seen; to project or extend beyond something else.
Example: His bright red hat stuck out in the crowd.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "tell apart" means to distinguish or recognize the difference between two or more similar things or people.
The idiom "take out" means to remove something or someone from a particular place or situation.
The idiom "take a stand" means to publicly express one's opinion or position on a certain issue, often in a bold and assertive manner.
"Stuck up" is an idiom used to describe someone who is arrogant, snobbish, or thinks they are superior to others. It implies a sense of haughtiness and a lack of humility.
The idiom "stick with" means to continue with or remain loyal to something or someone. It implies not giving up or changing one's mind despite difficulties or temptations.
The idiom "stick up" means to rob someone or something at gunpoint or with the threat of violence. It implies forcefully demanding money or valuables from the victim. This idiom is typically used to describe criminal activities involving robbery or theft.
The idiom "stick together" means to support and stay united with a group of people, especially during difficult times.
The idiom "stick to" means to remain loyal or to adhere to a specific plan or decision.
Linguistic Unveiling
The idiom "stick out" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It has various meanings and can be used in different contexts. "Stick out" often describes something or someone that is easily noticeable or stands out from the crowd. It can also imply being in a prominent position or having a noticeable feature or characteristic. Furthermore, "stick out" can express the act of protruding or extending beyond a certain point or boundary. This idiom is derived from the verb "stick," which can mean to adhere, extend, or be prominent. The word "out" adds emphasis and highlights the sense of prominence or visibility. The idiom "stick out" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century and has since become ingrained in everyday language.
In common usage, "stick out" is often used metaphorically to describe something that is noticeable or outstanding. For example, a person who stands out in a crowd due to their unique clothing might be described as "jumping out" or "coming out." Similarly, a distinctive feature or characteristic of something or someone may be said to "stick out" or "stand out."
The idiom "stick out" can also refer to physical protrusion. It can describe something that extends beyond a certain point or boundary. This can apply to objects, body parts, or any other physical element. For instance, if a nail is sticking out from a wall, it can be said to "stick up." Likewise, if someone's tongue is protruding beyond their lips, it can be described as "sticking out."
Additionally, "stick out" can express being in a prominent position or standing out in a figurative sense. For instance, if a company is leading the industry in terms of innovation, it can be said to "stick out" or "jump out" among its competitors. Similarly, an individual who excels in their field and surpasses others can be said to "stick up" or "come out."
The idiom "stick out" has become deeply ingrained in American English and is regularly used in both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility allows for various interpretations and usage scenarios. Whether referring to someone or something that stands out from the crowd, protrudes physically, or is prominent in a metaphorical sense, the idiom "stick out" captures the essence of visibility and distinction.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "stick out" can be used in a sentence:
- His bright yellow umbrella stuck out in the sea of black umbrellas.
- The suspect's unusual behavior made him stick out from the crowd.
- Please tuck in your shirt, your untucked tail sticks out and looks messy.
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