GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden | English Idioms and Phrases

Definitions

exclusion or discrimination based on gender
Referring to an activity or place that is only open to males and excludes females
elitism or classism
Describing a social environment or club that is only open to those of a certain class or status, often with negative connotations
outdated societal norms
Highlighting the outdated and discriminatory attitudes towards gender roles and expectations, often used in a critical or sarcastic manner

Examples of GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden

The club has strict rules when it comes to membership. It's a traditional gentleman's club, GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden. The committee believes that gender-specific membership policies foster a unique and exclusive atmosphere that cannot be replicated in co-ed environments.

This example shows how the idiom is used to describe a club that only allows male members. It adds color and impact to the language and provides context about the club's culture and values.
Sally was disappointed when she heard the news about the club's membership policies. She had been practicing golf for months and was looking forward to joining the club. However, she realized that the club was GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden, and as a woman, she was not eligible for membership.

This example illustrates how the idiom is used to explain a situation that doesn't allow women to join a club. It highlights the exclusivity and traditional values of the club's policies.
The woman's golf club down the road is much more relaxed when it comes to membership. They welcome both men and women, and their focus is on promoting golf for all. However, some traditionalists prefer the more traditional club where GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden is still in practice.

This example demonstrates the contrast between two golf clubs. It highlights the difference in values and shows how the idiom creates a distinction between the two clubs.
Although the club's policy is GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden, the club has set up an alternative program for women called the "Ladies' Section." This allows women to enjoy the facilities and play golf without the requirement of full membership.

This example shows how the idiom is used in conjunction with alternative solutions. It highlights the club's flexibility and commitment to providing opportunities for women while still adhering to their traditional values.
Unfortunately, our company's policies still adhere to the old 'GOLF' idiom, as they only promote men for high-level positions. This leaves many talented women feeling excluded and overlooked, as they are essentially being told, "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden."

The 'GOLF' idiom, which stands for Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden, is actually a phrase that originally referred to an exclusive golf club in the United Kingdom. However, today it's often used as a metaphor to describe an environment or organization that deliberately excludes women (or anyone else who doesn't fit the perceived norm). Its use in this context highlights the problem of gender imbalance in leadership roles and the need for more equality and inclusivity in the workplace.
During the planning stages of our new product launch, it became clear that the ideas being proposed were all coming from the male members of the team. It was like our meetings had suddenly become a 'GOLF' event, where only the guys were allowed to participate and offer their opinions.

Here, the 'GOLF' idiom is being used to describe a situation in which women are being deliberately excluded from decision-making processes or discussion groups. It's a way of calling out the unfairness and inequality of this kind of behavior, and reminding everyone that everyone's input is valuable and should be heard.
Our company's hiring practices have been criticized for their lack of diversity, with some people accusing us of following the 'GOLF' mantra. They argue that we're missing out on some of the best talent out there simply because we're not actively seeking out and recruiting women.

This example takes the 'GOLF' idiom and applies it to an organization's hiring practices. It highlights the issue of unconscious bias, whereby people may unwittingly favor certain candidates over others because they fit a particular stereotype or image. By using the 'GOLF' idiom, it's easy to see how this kind of behavior can limit an organization's prospects and prevent it from reaching its full potential.
As she pursued her career in finance, Lucy encountered a lot of 'GOLF' attitudes from her male colleagues. They would talk over her in meetings, dismiss her ideas as irrelevant, and generally make her feel like she didn't belong.

This example shows how the 'GOLF' idiom can have a real impact on women's careers and personal experiences in male-dominated fields. It highlights the importance of promoting gender equality and realizing that everyone's opinions and ideas are valuable, regardless of their gender. It also speaks to the need to address the unconscious biases that can hold people back, and create a more inclusive and empowering workplace culture for everyone.

Conclusion

The idiom "Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden" is commonly used to refer to exclusion or discrimination based on gender, typically in a negative light. It can also be used to criticize elitism and classism, as well as highlight outdated societal norms and expectations surrounding gender roles.

Origin of "GOLF - Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early days of golf, when the sport was predominantly played by men and women were not allowed to participate. This was due to the sexist belief that golf was a "gentlemen's game" and not suitable for women.

The phrase "Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden" was often displayed on signs at golf clubs and courses, reinforcing the notion that women were not welcome in this male-dominated space. This phrase also became synonymous with other exclusive and male-dominated activities, further perpetuating the idea of gender-based exclusion.

Although this phrase may have been used in a seemingly harmless manner in the past, it is now recognized as a symbol of sexism and discrimination. Its usage is often seen as offensive and outdated, highlighting the progress that has been made towards gender equality in society.