PhrasesHub

The wrong side of the blanket

    Definitions

      • illegitimate birth
        Referring to someone born out of wedlock, or to a child whose parents were not married at the time of their birth

      • questionable ancestry
        Implying that someone comes from a disreputable or shady background

    Examples of The wrong side of the blanket

    • I woke up this morning feeling like I spent the night on the wrong side of the blanket.

      This expression means feeling disoriented or uncomfortable, as if something is amiss. When you sleep with a blanket, you have a preferred side that feels most comfortable. Waking up on the opposite side can leave you feeling disoriented and uncomfortable, as if you've woken up on the "wrong side of the blanket." This idiom is often used to describe waking up in a strange or unfamiliar place.

    • After that long flight, I felt like I was still sleeping on the wrong side of the blanket.

      In this example, the person is referencing a lengthy flight they recently had, and the jet lag that often results from long flights can leave a person feeling disoriented and discomforted, much like waking up on the wrong side of the blanket.

    • She seemed to be on the wrong side of the blanket in that meeting today.

      This example is a little more creative, using the idiom in a figurative sense. It means that the person is not in agreement with the group or is out of sync with the rest of the people involved in the meeting. It's as if they're not comfortable in the situation like someone waking up on the wrong side of the blanket.

    • Despite receiving a prestigious award for her outstanding work, Sarah felt like she was still on the wrong side of the blanket in her industry.

      This idiom means being in a disadvantaged or inferior position, especially in relation to others who are more successful or influential. In Sarah's case, although she had received recognition for her work, she felt that she still did not have the same level of prestige or influence as some of her peers in the industry. It suggests that Sarah is aware that she has not yet reached the point where she is fully accepted or recognized by those in power, and is still viewed as somewhat of an outsider.

    • After being passed over for promotion once again, John grumbled that he was tired of being on the wrong side of the blanket in his company.

      This instance of the idiom emphasizes the idea of being overlooked or rejected, as John feels that he is consistently being passed over for promotions and other opportunities within his company. The idiom reinforces the sense that John feels like an underdog or an outsider, and that he is still working to prove himself in his workplace.

    • The struggling author felt like she was always on the wrong side of the blanket in the competitive world of publishing.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is facing adversity or obstacles in order to achieve their goals. The author in this example may be faced with challenges such as rejection, difficulty finding a publisher, or a lack of marketing resources, which makes it hard for her to gain recognition for her work. The idiom emphasizes the idea that the author is not yet in a position of power or influence, and is still working to establish herself in the competitive world of publishing.

    • I've been trying to break into this industry for years, but sometimes it feels like I'm still on the wrong side of the blanket.

      This example highlights the frustration and persistence of someone who has been working hard to achieve their goals, but still feels like they are not making progress. The idiom underscores the idea that the person is still struggling to gain acceptance or recognition within their industry, and emphasizes the sense that they are working hard to improve their position.

    • She was born on the wrong side of the blanket.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is illegitimate or born out of wedlock. The phrase "wrong side of the blanket" refers to the fact that the baby's birth position is not facing the mother's stomach, which is considered "right side" during childbirth. The expression suggests that the person's upbringing or social status is inferior because of their illegitimate birth.


    Conclusion

    "The wrong side of the blanket" is an idiom used to describe someone who is born out of wedlock or comes from a disreputable background. It is often used to suggest that someone's birth or ancestry is questionable or not quite respectable.

    People may use this idiom to gossip or make negative assumptions about someone's background, or to make a judgment about their character based on their family history. It can also be used in a lighthearted or humorous way to tease someone about their origins.

    Overall, "the wrong side of the blanket" is a colorful and somewhat old-fashioned way to talk about someone's illegitimate birth or questionable ancestry.

    Origin of "The wrong side of the blanket"

    The origin of the idiom "the wrong side of the blanket" is unclear, but it likely dates back to a time when birth out of wedlock was considered shameful or scandalous. The phrase may have originated in the 18th or 19th century when social attitudes towards illegitimate children were more judgmental.

    The idiom refers to the idea that a child born on the wrong side of the blanket was not born into a legitimate or socially acceptable family. The phrase "wrong side of the blanket" may have been used metaphorically to suggest that the child was literally born on the wrong side of the bed, representing their illegitimate status.

    Overall, the idiom likely reflects historical attitudes towards illegitimacy and the stigma attached to children born out of wedlock. Today, the phrase is used more lightheartedly and may be considered old-fashioned or even offensive in some contexts.