Send someone to Coventry: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Send someone to Coventry” mean?

"Send someone to Coventry" means to deliberately ignore or ostracize someone.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After the argument, the whole group decided to send him to Coventry.

Example

She was so upset with her friend's betrayal that she decided to send her to Coventry.

Example

The team captain was sent to Coventry by his teammates for his poor performance

Is “Send someone to Coventry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Send someone to Coventry” 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 “Send someone to Coventry” effectively in context?

You can use "Send someone to Coventry" when someone is deliberately ignored or ostracized by a group. It implies that the person is being excluded and treated as if they don't exist. For example, if a friend betrays your trust, you might say, 'I was so upset with her betrayal that I decided to send her to Coventry.'

• 1. Social Exclusion

  After the argument, the whole group decided to send him to Coventry.

• 2. Betrayal

  She was so upset with her friend's betrayal that she decided to send her to Coventry.

• 3. Poor Performance

  The team captain was sent to Coventry by his teammates for his poor performance.

Similar phrases to “Send someone to Coventry”:

Give someone the cold shoulder

To intentionally ignore or avoid someone

Example

After the argument, the whole group decided to give him the cold shoulder.

Shun someone

To deliberately avoid or reject someone

Example

She was so upset with her friend's betrayal that she decided to shun her.

Cut someone off

To stop communicating or associating with someone

Example

The team captain was cut off by his teammates for his poor performance.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Send someone to Coventry” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Send someone to Coventry" is unknown.

Is “Send someone to Coventry” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Send someone to Coventry" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in British English and may not be familiar to everyone.

What tone does “Send someone to Coventry” have?

"Send someone to Coventry" conveys a tone of exclusion and punishment. It is often used to express strong disapproval or anger towards someone's actions.

Can “Send someone to Coventry” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Send someone to Coventry" is informal and may not be suitable for formal settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends or in informal situations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They decided to send him to Coventry after the argument.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He deserves to be sent to Coventry!' to express disapproval.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• ignore someone
• ostracize someone
• exclude someone
• boycott someone
• isolate someone

Antonyms

• include someone
• welcome someone
• accept someone
• embrace someone
• engage with someone