PhrasesHub

In the loop

    Definitions

      • Informed or knowledgeable about a particular subject or situation
        To be up to date and aware of the latest developments or information regarding a certain topic or event

      • Involved or included in something
        To be part of a group or project, or to have a role or responsibility in a specific task or decision-making process

    Examples of In the loop

    • The programmer has been in the loop for hours, trying to debug the software.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is caught up in a process or cycle, often due to unforeseen circumstances. In this example, the programmer has been continuously working on debugging the software for an extended period of time, indicating that they are in the loop.

    • The sales team is in the loop regarding the new product launch.

      This idiom is used to indicate that everyone involved in the process is aware of the current state of affairs. In this example, the sales team has been informed about the upcoming product launch, meaning they are in the loop.

    • The project manager kept the team out of the loop until the last minute.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is deliberately keeping others in the dark about important information. In this example, the project manager did not share details about the project with the team until the final stages, implying that they kept the team out of the loop.

    • The CEO is in the loop about the company's financial situation.

      This idiom is used to indicate that someone is fully informed about a particular issue. In this example, the CEO is aware of the company's financial status, implying that they are in the loop.

    • The IT department is still in the loop when it comes to fixing the network issues.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is still actively involved in resolving a particular issue. In this example, the IT department is still working on fixing the network problems, indicating that they are still in the loop.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in the loop" is commonly used in informal conversations and business settings to convey being informed or involved in a particular matter. It can refer to being up to date with recent developments or being a part of a group or project.

    In the first meaning, "in the loop" is used to describe someone who is knowledgeable and well-informed about a specific subject or situation. This can also imply that the person is actively staying updated and aware of any changes or updates related to the topic. For example, a manager might say to their team, "Keep me in the loop about any changes to the project timeline."

    The second meaning of "in the loop" refers to being involved or included in something. This can mean having a role or responsibility in a project or being part of a group or decision-making process. For instance, a team member might say to their colleague, "Make sure to keep me in the loop for any upcoming meetings."

    Origin of "In the loop"

    The origin of the idiom "in the loop" is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is thought to have originated in the field of aviation, where pilots would fly in a circular path or "loop" to stay in communication with air traffic control.

    Over time, the phrase became more commonly used in business settings to refer to staying informed and involved in a project. It has since become a widely used idiom in both formal and informal contexts, with its meaning expanding to include being knowledgeable and involved in various subjects and situations.