PhrasesHub

Sleeveless errand

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • pointless or futile
        Describe a task or activity that has no purpose or is a waste of time

    Examples of Sleeveless errand

    • She ran a sleeveless errand to the nearby store to buy some milk.

      In this example, "sleeveless errand" is used to describe a quick and simple task that doesn't require too much effort or preparation. It highlights the fact that the person didn't need to put on a jacket or coat before leaving the house, as the errand was short and straightforward.

    • After a long day at work, he decided to go on a sleeveless errand to pick up his dry cleaning.

      Here, "sleeveless errand" refers to a quick and simple task that the person can do without any extra clothing, as they're already dressed casually and comfortably after a long day at work.

    • Instead of sending a team, the manager decided to handle the matter herself with a sleeveless errand.

      This example shows that "sleeveless errand" can also be used to describe a small task that can be done by a single person, without the need for a larger team or group. It's a lighthearted way to emphasize that the task in question is small and straightforward.

    • After finishing his work, he went out for a sleeveless errand to grab some lunch and catch up on some reading.

      Lastly, "sleeveless errand" can also be used to describe a task that's both simple and enjoyable, as in this example the person goes out to relax and do something pleasurable after work, without needing to put on any extra clothing. The term "sleeveless" highlights the fact that the person isn't dressed formally or in a rush, but rather in a relaxed and comfortable state.

    • The boss asked John to run a sleeveless errand to the bank to deposit the company's check.

      In this example, "sleeveless errand" is used to describe a short and simple task that does not require elaborate preparation or effort. It is called "sleeveless" because it is easy to carry out, much like a task that can be accomplished with ease and speed, without any unnecessary steps or complications, just like wearing a sleeveless shirt that is easy to put on and take off. In this case, the boss asks John to complete a quick and straightforward task by going to the bank to deposit a check. The use of "sleeveless errand" highlights the simplicity and straightforwardness of the task, making it appear less time-consuming and effort-intensive than other tasks that might be more complicated or elaborate. This usage of "sleeveless errand" emphasizes the ease and convenience of the errand, making it clear that the boss trusts John to complete the task efficiently and effectively, just as he would trust him in wearing a sleeveless shirt without much concern.

    • Sarah's sleeveless errand for the day was to buy some groceries and pick up the dry cleaning.

      In this example, "sleeveless errand" is used to describe a series of tasks that are relatively easy and straightforward to complete. The term "sleeveless" is used to highlight the fact that these tasks are simple and require no elaborate preparation or effort. Here, Sarah has a list of tasks for the day, which are all relatively simple and require little time or effort. The use of "sleeveless errand" implies that these tasks are easy and can be completed quickly and efficiently, without much complication. This usage of "sleeveless errand" emphasizes the convenience and ease of these tasks, making it clear that they do not demand extensive preparation or planning and can be accomplished without much concern.

    • The client asked us to complete a sleeveless errand by providing them with some preliminary data.

      In this example, "sleeveless errand" is used to describe a small and basic task that does not require a great deal of time or resources. The term "sleeveless" is used to highlight the simplicity and efficiency of the task, much like wearing a sleeveless shirt that is easy to put on and take off. Here, the client asks us to do a small favor by providing them with some preliminary data, which is easy to gather and requires little resources or effort. The use of "sleeveless errand" emphasizes the simplicity and convenience of this task, making it clear that it does not demand significant resources or effort and can be accomplished quickly and efficiently. This usage of "sleeveless errand" highlights the fact that completing such a task is like wearing a sleeveless shirt, quick and easy, without much preparation or concern.

    • The teacher asked us to do a sleeveless errand by answering a few simple questions on the examination sheet.

      In this example, "sleeveless errand" is used to describe a basic task that does not require much time or resources. The term "sleeveless" is used to highlight the fact that this task is simple and straightforward, much like wearing a sleeveless shirt that is easy to put on and take off. The teacher asks us to answer a few simple questions on the examination sheet, which is an easy and straightforward task. The use of "sleeveless errand" emphasizes the simplicity and convenience of this task, making it clear that it does not demand significant resources or effort and can be accomplished quickly and efficiently. This usage of "sleeveless errand" highlights the fact that completing such a task is like wearing a sleeveless shirt, quick and easy, without much preparation or concern.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "sleeveless errand" is typically used to discourage someone from pursuing a particular activity or to describe a task as pointless or futile. When someone uses this idiom, they are cautioning against engaging in an activity because it won't lead to any positive outcome or benefit. It can also be used to convey the sense that a task has no purpose or is a waste of time.

    Overall, the idiom "sleeveless errand" is a way of expressing the futility or pointlessness of a task, and it is used to discourage others from pursuing such activities.

    Origin of "Sleeveless errand"

    The origin of the idiom "sleeveless errand" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. The term "sleeveless" was used in the sense of "useless" or "unprofitable" during this time period, and "errand" referred to a specific task or mission. When combined, the idiom "sleeveless errand" came to represent a task or activity that was useless or had no purpose.

    The idiom may have originated from the idea of having no sleeves on a garment, symbolizing a lack of substance or purpose. Over time, the phrase has become a common way to convey the futility of a task or to discourage someone from pursuing a particular activity. Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday language, demonstrating its enduring relevance in English idiomatic expression.