in the middle of nowhere
Meaning: In a very remote place, far from towns.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Our car broke down in the middle of nowhere, with no phone signal.”
Category: Nature
Origin: A playful exaggeration placing somewhere at the center of a place that doesn't exist. It is common from the 20th century; its first use has not been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
- Portuguese: Onde Judas perdeu as botas — literally: Where Judas lost his boots
- Italian: a casa del diavolo — literally: at the house of the devil
- Russian: за тридевять земель (za tridevyat' zemel') — literally: beyond three-times-nine lands
- French: Au diable vauvert — literally: At the devil's Vauvert
More idioms — Nature
- out of thin air — Appearing from nowhere, as if by magic.
- be at a low ebb — To be in a poor or weak state.
- the four corners of the earth — Every part of the world.
- like a bolt from the blue — Completely unexpected, usually of bad news.
- hearts and flowers — Excessive sentimentality.
- a slippery slope — A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
More English idioms
- sit on the fence — To avoid taking sides.
- take an ax to — To cut something drastically, especially spending or jobs.
- in the crosshairs — Targeted for attack, criticism or scrutiny.
- hand in hand — Closely together; in close association.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth — Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- raise a hue and cry — To make a loud public protest.
From our proverbs
- The devil can quote Scripture to suit his purpose. — Skilled manipulators exploit truth selectively, twisting knowledge to justify deception.
- A ragged colt may make a good horse. — Unpromising beginnings don't determine a creature's potential; proper care and time can t…
- Raise no more spirits than you can conjure down. — Ambition beyond your control creates chaos you cannot contain or resolve.