What does “Behind the curve” mean?
"Behind the curve" means being not up to date or informed about something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's always behind the curve when it comes to technology.
Example
The company's outdated practices put them behind the curve in the industry.
Example
She felt behind the curve after missing the latest news
Is “Behind the curve” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Behind the curve” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Behind the curve” effectively in context?
You can use "Behind the curve" to describe someone or something that is not up to date or informed about a particular topic or trend. It implies being behind in knowledge, skills, or practices. For example, if a friend is not familiar with the latest technology, you might say, 'He's always behind the curve when it comes to technology.'
- 1Technology
He's always behind the curve when it comes to technology.
- 2Business
The company's outdated practices put them behind the curve in the industry.
- 3Current Events
She felt behind the curve after missing the latest news.
Similar phrases to “Behind the curve”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Behind the curve” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Behind the curve" is unknown.
Is “Behind the curve” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Behind the curve" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone or something that is not keeping up with the latest trends or information.
What tone does “Behind the curve” have?
"Behind the curve" conveys a tone of being out of touch or lacking knowledge. It can be used to express disappointment or frustration with someone or something that is not up to date.
Can “Behind the curve” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Behind the curve" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a lack of knowledge or being out of touch. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company's outdated practices put them behind the curve in the industry.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm always behind the curve!' to express a general feeling of being out of touch.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- outdated
- uninformed
- obsolete
- ignorant
- not up to speed
Antonyms
- knowledgeable
- ahead of the curve
- current
- up to date
- informed
