stovepipe: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stovepipe’ mean?
The idiom "stovepipe" refers to a situation or system that operates in isolation, lacking interaction with other parts, resulting in limited information flow and inefficiency.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to disrupt or interfere with a process, plan, or situation, usually causing it to go off track or fail.
The idiom "stump it" means to be completely unable to answer a question or solve a problem. It is often used to refer to a situation where someone is left speechless or puzzled, unable to come up with a response or solution.
A stovepipe hat is a tall, cylindrical hat with a narrow brim, typically made of a stiff material like felt or silk. As an idiom, it refers to a person who holds a high position or has a lot of authority, especially in a formal or official setting.
An "idiom" is an expression with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation of the words. The idiom "sticking point" refers to a specific issue or problem that prevents progress or agreement in a discussion or negotiation.
The idiom "stay in one's lane" means to stick to one's area of expertise or responsibility and not to meddle or interfere in areas that are outside of one's knowledge or authority.
The idiom "square peg in a round hole" is used to describe a person or thing that is unsuitable or does not fit well in a particular situation or environment.
The idiom "spin out" refers to losing control or becoming overwhelmed by a situation, often resulting in negative consequences.
The idiom "soup sandwich" refers to something that is extremely messy, disorganized, or chaotic. It implies that the situation or thing is in such a state that it is completely unmanageable or difficult to fix.
FAIL
The phrase "stovepipe hat" is closely related to the idiom "stovepipe." A stovepipe hat is a tall, cylindrical hat that was popularized in the 19th century, particularly associated with Abraham Lincoln. The hat gets its name from its resemblance to a stovepipe, with a straight and narrow shape. The idiom "stovepipe hat" is often used to describe someone who is well-dressed or fashionable, particularly in a formal or old-fashioned sense.
Another idiom related to "stovepipe" is the phrase "out of the loop." This idiom refers to someone who is not included or informed about a particular situation or decision-making process. It conveys a sense of being excluded or out of touch with what's happening. The phrase is often used in a professional or social context, indicating a lack of knowledge or involvement in important matters.
In political and organizational settings, being "out of the loop" can be a consequence of a stovepipe structure. When information and decision-making flow strictly from the top to the bottom, individuals who are not part of the hierarchical structure may be left out. The lack of lateral communication and collaboration can result in people feeling disconnected and uninformed, reinforcing the notion of being "out of the loop."
In the realm of technology, the concept of being "out of the loop" can also be associated with stovepiping. When data or information is passed in a linear and rigid manner, without integration or flexibility, individuals who are not part of the direct flow may be unaware of developments or changes. This can further exacerbate the feeling of being "out of the loop" in a technological context.
The phrase "stovepipe hat" and the idiom "out of the loop" both provide additional perspectives and associations to the concept of "stovepipe." While "stovepipe" itself can refer to hierarchical structures and linear information flow, the related idioms bring in notions of fashion, exclusion, and lack of knowledge. By exploring these idioms alongside "stovepipe," we gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of this phrase and its implications in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom stovepipe can be used in a sentence:
- He didn't consult with any other departments before making the decision, which caused a stovepipe approach to problem-solving.
- The lack of communication between different teams led to a stovepipe effect, hindering collaboration and efficiency.
- By breaking down departmental silos and encouraging cross-functional collaboration, the company aimed to eliminate stovepipe thinking.
The idiom stovepipe is used metaphorically to describe a situation where there is limited communication or collaboration between different parts of a system or organization. It implies a lack of integration, coordination, or the sharing of information, often resulting in inefficiencies or suboptimal outcomes. The term originated from the cylindrical shape of a stovepipe, which restricts the flow of smoke to a singular path.
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