Phrase guide

out of the loop

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Not informed, up-to-date, or current; not included in a process or discussion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: out of touch, in the dark

Antonyms: in the loop, in touch

History

Etymology

First use appears c. 1973. See cite below. Its use is thought by some to have roots in computer or telephony terminology.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: hors du coup — not informed
  • Japanese: 蚊帳の外 (kaya no soto) — not informed
  • Polish: nie w temacie — not informed
  • Polish: niewtajemniczony — not informed
  • Russian: не в те́ме (ne v téme) — not informed
  • Russian: не в ку́рсе (ne v kúrse) — not informed
  • Russian: не в курса́х (ne v kursáx) — not informed
  • Spanish: fuera de onda — not informed
  • Spanish: no estar al tanto — not informed
  • Spanish: no estar al corriente — not informed
  • Spanish: en el limbo — not informed
  • Spanish: en ayunas — not informed