The Village Idiom

go by the board

The idiom "go by the board" means to be disregarded, ignored, or abandoned. It refers to something that is set aside or eliminated, usually due to changing circumstances or priorities.

Effort & character · Filed under G

In a sentence

  • His plan to save money for a trip went by the board when his car broke down and needed expensive repairs.
  • The company's new marketing strategy went by the board when their main competitor launched a more effective advertising campaign.
  • My goal to eat healthier went by the board when I couldn't resist ordering pizza for dinner.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "go by the board" is a phrase that has been used in the English language for centuries. It originated from nautical terminology, specifically from the act of throwing items overboard during a storm or in emergencies. This phrase is often used to indicate that something is being disregarded, abandoned, or neglected. It can also convey the idea of something being lost or wasted, as if it were tossed overboard.

The phrase first appeared in written form in the early 17th century and has continued to be used up to the present day. Its origin is believed to be related to the use of "board" to refer to the side of a ship or the deck area. In nautical terms, objects or people that are thrown or fall overboard are said to have gone "by the board."

Over time, the figurative meaning of the phrase has extended beyond its original nautical context and can now refer to various situations and subjects. It is a versatile idiom that can be used to express the idea of something being disregarded or abandoned.

An example of how "go by the wayside" can be used in a sentence is: "Many New Year's resolutions go by the wayside by the end of January."

The other related idiom, "fall by the wayside," also conveys a similar meaning to "go by the board" and "go by the wayside." It refers to something or someone being abandoned or neglected. It suggests that something or someone was once on a journey or a path but has now been left behind or forgotten.

An example of how "fall by the wayside" can be used in a sentence is: "Several candidates dropped out of the race, falling by the wayside as the competition intensified."

The idiom "go by the board" is an expression that has deep roots in nautical terminology. It has evolved beyond its original meaning to become a versatile phrase that can be applied to various situations. The related idioms "go by the wayside" and "fall by the wayside" share similar meanings and emphasize the idea of something being disregarded or left behind. These idioms remind us of the transient nature of our choices and the potential consequences of neglect or abandonment.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.