wheel out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘wheel out’ mean?
The idiom "wheel out" means to bring out or introduce something or someone that is old, familiar, or well-known. It is often used in situations where the thing or person being brought out has lost its novelty or has become predictable.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wheel away" means to remove or take something away quickly, often using a wheel or wheeled vehicle. It implies a swift and efficient action of transportation or relocation.
The idiom "trot out" means to bring something or someone forward, especially for display or to show off, often in a repeated or habitual manner.
The idiom "throw out" means to dispose of something, to get rid of it. It can also mean to eject or expel someone from a place or a group.
The idiom "take out the trash" means to remove or eliminate something or someone undesirable or unnecessary.
The idiom "take out" means to remove something or someone from a particular place or situation.
The idiom "sweep out" means to remove or get rid of something completely, typically in a forceful or decisive manner.
The idiom "spin out" refers to losing control or becoming overwhelmed by a situation, often resulting in negative consequences.
The idiom "shake out" means to remove or get rid of something by vigorously shaking or causing a change. It can also imply discovering or revealing information or potential issues through a thorough examination or investigation.
The idiom "roll out the red carpet" means to give someone a grand or luxurious welcome or treatment, often reserved for important or prestigious individuals.
A Rolling Revival
When we talk about the idiom "trot out," it is closely related to the concept of wheeling out. Both idioms share the idea of bringing something or someone out into the open, but there are some subtle differences in their usage.
"Trot out" is typically used when someone or something is presented as evidence or an example. It often carries an implication of being done in a perfunctory or routine manner. It can also suggest that the thing being presented is being done so purely for show or to fulfill a requirement. In contrast, "wheel out" implies a more deliberate and planned action, often done in a formal or official setting. It suggests that the thing being brought out is significant or important.
For example, imagine a company is releasing a new product. They may decide to "wheel out" the product at a large-scale launch event, complete with speeches and demonstrations. On the other hand, if a company is required to provide evidence of their success, they may simply "trot out" some statistics or charts without much ceremony.
Another related idiom is "wheel away." While "wheel out" implies bringing something out into the open, "wheel away" suggests the opposite - taking something away or removing it from view. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as in the removal of a physical object or the departure of a person or group.
When used figuratively, "wheel away" can describe the act of dismissing or disregarding something. It implies a deliberate action to move something out of consideration or to disregard its importance. For example, if someone makes a completely unfounded claim, you might "wheel away" their argument by pointing out its lack of evidence or logic.
These idioms - "wheel out," "trot out," and "wheel away" - are all used to describe actions related to bringing something into view or removing it from view. Whether it's presenting a new product, showcasing a political figure, or dismissing an argument, these idioms add color and figurative language to our everyday conversations.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "wheel out" can be used in a sentence:
- During the science fair, the students were excited to wheel out their impressive projects for everyone to see.
- The museum staff had to wheel out the priceless artifacts carefully, ensuring their safe transportation.
- As the new model of car was unveiled, the company wheeled it out to great applause and anticipation from the crowd.
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