English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Rule out

Meaning

The idiom "rule out" means to eliminate or exclude something as a possibility, especially when it is considered unlikely or impossible. It is often used in the context of decision-making or problem-solving, as a way to narrow down options and arrive at a solution.

Usage

  • The doctor ruled out any allergic reactions as the cause of John's symptoms.
  • We need to rule out any distractions while we work on this project.
  • The team had to rule out several possibilities before finding the solution to the problem.
  • The manager ruled out the possibility of a promotion for Sarah due to her poor performance.
  • The police ruled out any suspects and are still searching for clues in the case. The usage of "rule out" can vary depending on the context. It can be used as a verb or a noun, and its meaning can change based on the way it is used. For example, "I need to rule out any distractions while I work on this project" is a statement that uses "rule out" as a verb, while "The doctor ruled out any allergic reactions as the cause of John's symptoms" is a sentence that uses "rule out" as a noun.

Roots and History

The idiom "rule out" has been in use since at least the 18th century, although its exact origins are unclear. It may have originated from the idea of using a rule or a standard to exclude certain possibilities. Over time, the meaning and usage of "rule out" have evolved to reflect changing language and cultural norms.

Synonyms in English

  • Eliminate
  • Exclude
  • Narrow down
  • Reduce
  • Limit

Synonyms in other languages

  • 排除 (Japanese) - a similar idiom used to exclude or eliminate possibilities, but with a focus on sorting and organizing information.
  • اскוلحل (Arabic) - an idiom used to describe the process of ruling out possibilities, often in the context of decision-making or problem-solving.
  • פורטן (Hebrew) - a Hebrew word that means "to eliminate" or "to exclude," and is often used in religious texts and discussions.
  • חישנים (Yiddish) - an idiom used to describe the process of ruling out possibilities, often in the context of problem-solving or decision-making.
  • מופעלה (Hebrew) - a Hebrew word that means "to exclude" or "to eliminate," and is often used in religious texts and discussions.

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