PhrasesHub

By the board

    Definitions

      • to fail or be destroyed
        Used to describe something or someone that has failed or been destroyed, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. Can refer to physical objects such as ships or buildings, or to more abstract concepts like plans or relationships.

      • to abandon or discard something
        Often used in the phrase "go by the board," which means to let go or give up on something. Can also refer to letting go of an idea or belief that is no longer useful or relevant.

      • to dismiss or reject someone
        Can be used to describe the act of rejecting or ignoring someone, often in a harsh or abrupt manner. Can also refer to being dismissed or rejected from a job or position.

    Examples of By the board


      Conclusion

      The idiom "by the board" has a few different meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of failure, abandonment, or rejection. It can be used to describe something that has failed or been destroyed, something that has been abandoned or discarded, or someone who has been dismissed or rejected.

      In all of these meanings, the idiom conveys a sense of finality and loss. When something is "by the board," it is no longer in use or relevant. It has been discarded or rejected, and there is no going back.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a sudden or unexpected failure or loss. This adds a sense of surprise and disappointment to the meaning. It can be used to express frustration or disappointment in a situation that has not gone as planned.

      Origin of "By the board"

      The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from nautical terminology. "By the board" refers to something falling over the side of a ship and into the water, indicating that it is lost or gone forever. This may explain why the idiom is often used to describe something that has failed or been destroyed.

      Another possible origin of this idiom is from the game of chess. In this game, the expression "take something by the board" means to capture a piece and remove it from the board. This could explain the meaning of rejecting or dismissing someone, as in the game, a piece that is taken by the board is no longer in play.

      Overall, the idiom "by the board" has evolved over time and is now used in various contexts to describe failure, abandonment, or rejection. Its origin may be rooted in nautical or gaming terminology, but its usage has expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings.