In the loop

Meaning

The idiom "in the loop" means to be aware of something, especially a current situation or development, as it happens. It can also mean being included or involved in a group or activity.

Usage

• I'm always in the loop on important company news because I'm part of the executive team.
• She's out of the loop and doesn't know about the new project deadline.
• We need to get the new employee in the loop so they can start working on their tasks.
• The group is planning a surprise party for their friend, and they're keeping it a secret from her - she's not in the loop yet.
• He likes to keep his plans a secret and not involve anyone else, even though he could benefit from being in the loop.

Roots and History

The idiom "in the loop" is believed to have originated from the 1960s when the military began using closed-loop communication systems. These systems allowed for secure and confidential communication between different units, making it difficult for outsiders to intercept or understand the information being exchanged. The term "in the loop" likely emerged as a way to describe someone who was part of this closed-loop system and had access to sensitive information. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to anyone who is aware of current events or developments, regardless of their connection to a specific group or activity.

Synonyms in English

• In the know
• Up to speed
• On top of things
• In the loop with
• In the loop about

Synonyms in other languages

• Español: en el bucle / en la red (in the cycle/in the net)
• Français: en boucle / en circuit (in a loop/in a circuit)
• German: im Kreislauf (in the cycle)
• Italian: nel ciclo / nella rete (in the cycle/in the net)
• Dutch: in de buiseloop (in the loop)

Similar Idioms

• in at the deep end

• by dint of

• leaps and bounds