be in the dark about sth

The expression be in the dark about sth is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the be in the dark about sth idiom.

Meaning of "be in the dark about sth"

Meaning

The idiom ‘be in the dark about something’ is used to describe a situation where someone is unaware or ignorant of something. This can include lack of knowledge of a particular event, or lack of understanding of a topic or issue. It can also be used to describe someone who is unaware of a particular situation or circumstance. The phrase connotes darkness and obscurity, and is used to express the idea of being without knowledge, understanding, or awareness.

Etymology

The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the 15th century, when it was commonly used in reference to the dark of night. Over time, the phrase has been used to describe an individual’s lack of knowledge or understanding. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where an individual is kept in the dark, either deliberately or unintentionally, so they do not know the full extent of something or the potential consequences.

Usage

This phrase is commonly used in everyday life, often in the context of someone’s lack of knowledge or lack of understanding in a certain situation. It can also be used when someone does not have all the information, and is unaware of a particular event or circumstance. In some cases, it can also be used to describe someone who is deliberately kept in the dark about a certain topic or issue.

Example Sentences

• I was in the dark about what had happened until I read the news report.
• His parents had kept him in the dark about their financial problems.
• She was in the dark about the whole situation until the meeting.
• The government tries to keep the public in the dark about the true costs of the project.
• The company wanted to keep the employees in the dark about their plans.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.