What does the idiom "null and void" mean?
You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase null and void, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression null and void used and what is its meaning?
Meaning of "null and void"
Meaning
The phrase 'null and void' is typically used as a legal term to describe something that is cancelled or unenforceable, and has no legal effect. It is often used to refer to contracts, rules, or regulations that can no longer be used or taken into account. It means that a law, agreement, or decision is completely invalid, and has no effect.
Etymology
The phrase 'null and void' has its origins in Latin where 'nullus' and 'vacare' were used to mean 'none' and 'empty' respectively. The phrase was first used in English as null and void in the late 13th century, becoming popular during the 18th century. The phrase has been used in legal and non-legal contexts since then.
Usage
This phrase is typically used in a legal context. It is often used to refer to contracts or agreements that have been rendered invalid, or cannot be enforced. It can also be used to refer to laws, rules, or regulations that have been rendered void or unenforceable. In non-legal contexts, it can be used to describe any action or decision that has been cancelled or rendered invalid. It can also be used to describe any situation that is in a state of chaos, since nothing is working as it should.
Example Sentences
- The judge declared the contract to be null and void due to a lack of evidence.
- The company declared their policy on the issue to be null and void since it was no longer applicable.
- The results of the election were declared to be null and void due to irregularities in the voting process.
- The chaos in the city has left it in a state of null and void, as nothing is working as it should.
The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms
Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.
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