PhrasesHub

Neither here nor there

    Definitions

      • irrelevant or inconsequential
        To describe something that is not important or significant in a given situation or context

      • undecided or unsure
        To express uncertainty or indecisiveness about a particular topic or issue

      • in between or intermediate
        To describe something that is not clearly defined or falls somewhere in the middle, without a clear direction or purpose

    Examples of Neither here nor there

    • I've been waiting for this job offer for weeks, but now that I've received it, I'm neither here nor there about accepting it. I'm still unsure if it's the right decision for me.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is uncertain or undecided about something. It suggests that the person is in a state of limbo, neither fully committed nor fully disengaged. In this example, the speaker has received a job offer but is still unsure whether to accept it or not.

    • The team's performance in the game was neither here nor there. They didn't play particularly well, but they didn't play particularly badly either.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where something is neither particularly good nor particularly bad. It suggests that the thing in question is mediocre or unremarkable. In this example, the team's performance in the game was neither outstanding nor poor, but rather unremarkable.

    • The conversation between the two politicians was neither here nor there. It lacked substance and failed to address any real issues.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a conversation or discussion is unproductive or lacking in value. It suggests that the conversation failed to achieve anything meaningful or significant. In this example, the conversation between the two politicians failed to address any real issues and lacked substance.

    • The weather in the city was neither here nor there. It was neither hot nor cold, but rather mild and unremarkable.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where the weather is neither particularly hot nor particularly cold, but rather mild and unremarkable. It suggests that the weather is neither extreme nor particularly noteworthy. In this example, the weather in the city was neither hot nor cold, but rather mild and unremarkable.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "neither here nor there" can have multiple meanings, all related to the idea of something being unimportant, uncertain, or in between. It can be used to dismiss or downplay the significance of something, express doubt or indecision, or describe something that is neither one thing nor another.

    In a literal sense, the phrase can refer to a location that is not clearly defined or important. This could be a physical location, such as a place that is not here (where the speaker is) or there (a specific location being referenced). It can also be used figuratively to describe an idea or topic that is not relevant or meaningful in a particular situation.

    The phrase can also convey a sense of uncertainty or indecisiveness. It may be used to express hesitation or doubt about a particular topic, and can be seen as a way to avoid making a clear statement or taking a definitive stance.

    Origin of "Neither here nor there"

    The origin of the idiom "neither here nor there" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the Latin phrase "nec huc nec illuc" meaning "neither here nor there." It was first recorded in English in the 16th century and has been used in various forms since then.

    One possible origin of the phrase is from the game of dice, where a roll of neither a high nor low number was considered insignificant and therefore "neither here nor there." Another theory suggests that it may have come from the practice of marking a person's status as "neither free nor bond" in early English law.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has become a commonly used expression in modern English, conveying a sense of indifference or uncertainty. It is often used in everyday conversations and can be found in literature and media as well.