out of the loop

English

Etymology

First use appears c. 1973. See cite below. Its use is thought by some to have roots in computer or telephony terminology.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (Australia):(file)

Prepositional phrase

out of the loop

  1. (idiomatic) Not informed, up-to-date, or current; not included in a process or discussion.
    Synonyms: out of touch, in the dark
    Antonyms: in the loop, in touch
    • 1973, International Federation of Air Traffic Controller's Association (contributor), The Controller, Volumes 12-15, page 22:
      Automation technology can lead to complacency when it takes the controller ‘out of the loop’ by reducing the need for his interaction with a flightcrew and de-emphasizing the cooperative aspects of the air traffic system.
    • 1976 September 16, “Former Nixon Aide Denies Soliciting Campaign Fund”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC:
      "I was out of the loop," he added, explaining that he was planning to leave government at that time.
    • 1995, Tom Clancy, Debt of Honor‎[1], →ISBN:
      “Well, we've been out of the loop for a few hours. Anything new that you know?”
    • 2001 August 27, Tony Karon, “Why Macedonians Balk at NATO's Presence”, in Time‎[2], New York, N.Y.: Time Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC:
      The members of parliament have felt ignored by their leaders for much of this crisis, and were kept out of the loop during the negotiations.
      (Can we archive this URL?)

Translations

References

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