IdiomNature
English
Englishin the middle of nowhere
Meaning: In a very remote place, far from towns.
Example: “Our car broke down in the middle of nowhere, with no phone signal.”
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 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.
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