English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

In lieu of

Meaning

The idiom "in lieu of" means "as a substitute for something, or instead of". It refers to the replacement or substitution of one thing with another. The idiom can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation.

Usage

  • I'm going to a concert tonight in lieu of watching a movie at home.
  • She decided to take a walk in the park in lieu of exercising at the gym.
  • The company offered its employees a bonus in lieu of a salary increase.
  • The manager asked me to come early to work today in lieu of my colleague, who was sick.
  • I'm sorry, but I can't attend your party in lieu of my friend who is allergic to peanuts.

Roots and History

The idiom "in lieu of" has been in use since the 14th century. It comes from the Old French phrase "en leu d'autre", which means "in place of another". The phrase was used to replace or substitute one thing with another, such as a missing person or an object that had been stolen or lost. Over time, the idiom evolved to mean a substitution or replacement in general.

Synonyms in English

  • Instead of
  • As a replacement for
  • In the place of
  • In stead of
  • Whereas

Synonyms in other languages

  • lieu de (French) - in place of
  • statt von (German) - instead of
  • place de (Spanish) - in place of
  • 替えて泣れる (Japanese) - to cry bitterly because of a substitute or replacement
  • שופט מוצען בארץ (Hebrew) - appointed by heaven to judge I hope this information helps!

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