IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishbe a third wheel
Meaning: To be an unwanted extra person with a couple.
Example: “I went to dinner with Sam and his new girlfriend and felt like a third wheel.”
Origin: A two-wheeled vehicle has no use for a third wheel. An older form was "fifth wheel," from the fifth wheel of a carriage. "Third wheel" became common in the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Serbian: Држати свећу (Držati sveću) Literally: To hold the candle
French: Tenir la chandelle Literally: To hold the candle
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