be in the dark about sth

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. be in the dark about sth meaning, in what situations is it used?

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 universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.