PhrasesHub

Drummed out of the army

    Definitions

      • dismissal or discharge
        To be forcefully removed or expelled from the military, usually as a result of dishonorable or unacceptable behavior.

      • shamed or humiliated
        To be publicly disgraced or embarrassed, often due to one's actions or mistakes.

      • ostracized or excluded
        To be rejected or excluded from a group or community, often as a form of punishment or social consequence.

    Examples of Drummed out of the army

    • The lieutenant was drummed out of the army for stealing classified information and sharing it with the enemy.

      The phrase "drummed out of the army" is a figurative expression meaning to dishonorably discharge someone from the military. In this example, the lieutenant was removed from the army due to serious misconduct, which resulted in a dishonorable discharge. The phrase "drummed out" is associated with a military drum roll, historically used to announce a soldier's dishonorable discharge in public.

    • Despite his exceptional military record, the general was drummed out of the army for demanding a promotion that exceeded the authority of his superior officer.

      "Drummed out" is used here to indicate a discharge from military service that is not honorable, which is a significant disciplinary action. The use of the phrase in this context emphasizes the severity of the punishment and the seriousness of the violation committed by the general.

    • The captain was drummed out of the army for repeatedly disobeying orders, threatening his subordinates, and behavior unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.

      The phrase "drummed out" emphasizes the severity of the punishment given because of serious misconduct. In this instance, the captain's violations were enough to warrant a dishonorable discharge, which is the most extreme disciplinary action that comes with a loss of benefits, privileges, and a black mark on the person's military record.

    • The corporal was drummed out of the army for repeatedly failing to meet his unit's physical fitness standards.

      While "drummed out" is typically applied to more serious infractions that result in a dishonorable discharge, it's also used when a soldier fails to meet specific standards and is removed from the military as a result. In this example, the corporal repeatedly failed to maintain physical fitness, which eventually led to his discharge from the army.

    • The soldier's repeated insubordination and refusal to follow orders ultimately led to him being drummed out of the army.

      To be drummed out of the army is a military term that refers to a process by which a soldier is honorably discharged due to repeated offenses or serious misconduct. The term "drummed out" comes from the traditional method of signaling the end of a soldier's service, where a drummer would play a rhythmic pattern to signal the marching of the soldier out of the ranks. In modern times, the term is still used to describe an honorable, but undesirable, discharge from military service.


    Conclusion

    The common thread among these meanings is the sense of being removed or expelled from a group or community, with varying degrees of shame or humiliation. In all cases, the idiom is used to describe a negative outcome or consequence for the individual involved.

    Origin of "Drummed out of the army"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 18th century, when it was used in reference to soldiers being removed from the army by means of a drum signal. The drum was used as a form of public announcement, and the phrase "drummed out" became a popular way to describe a soldier's dismissal.

    Over time, the idiom expanded to encompass more than just military dismissals, and it became a common phrase to describe any kind of expulsion or removal from a group or organization. It also took on a connotation of shame and disgrace, as being "drummed out" often meant being publicly humiliated.

    Today, the idiom is still commonly used to describe any situation in which someone is expelled or excluded from a group or community, often with a sense of shame or embarrassment. Its origins may lie in the military, but its usage has evolved to encompass a broader range of scenarios.