go out with the ark: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "go out with the ark" is an expression that has its origins in biblical times. It refers to something or someone that is very old-fashioned, outdated, or no longer fashionable. The phrase is derived from the story of Noah's Ark in the Hebrew Bible.

In the story, God instructed Noah to build an ark and gather two of every species of animal to survive a great flood that would destroy all life on Earth. Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark and were saved from the flood while the rest of the world perished. When the floodwaters receded and the ark finally came to rest on Mount Ararat, Noah and his family emerged to repopulate the Earth.

In popular culture, the phrase "go out with the ark" gained traction in the early 20th century and became widely used. It is typically used in a humorous or sarcastic manner to poke fun at someone or something outdated or obsolete.

The idiom can be applied to various situations, such as fashion, technology, or social customs. If someone is wearing an outfit from several decades ago, a friend might jokingly say, "You're really going out with the ark in that outfit!" Similarly, if someone is still using a flip phone in the age of smartphones, they may be teased for "going out with the ark" in terms of their choice of technology.

The phrase "go out with the ark" is related to the idioms "out of date," "go the way of the dodo bird," and "go the way of the dodo." These idioms all refer to things or ideas that have become obsolete or extinct.

When something is "out of date," it means that it is no longer current or relevant. This idiom can be used to describe anything from fashion trends to scientific theories. For example, if someone is discussing an outdated method of data analysis, you can say, "That approach is really out of date. We've come a long way since then."

The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" is another way to express something becoming obsolete or extinct. The phrase refers to the dodo bird, which was a flightless bird that became extinct in the 17th century. The dodo bird serves as a symbol of extinction, and when something "goes the way of the dodo bird," it means it is on its way to becoming extinct or disappearing. For instance, if a traditional brick-and-mortar store is losing customers to online shopping, you could say, "If they don't adapt to the digital age, they'll go the way of the dodo bird."

Similarly, the phrase "go the way of the dodo" conveys the same idea of becoming extinct or obsolete. It emphasizes the finality and inevitability of something disappearing or no longer being relevant. If a company refuses to innovate and falls behind its competitors, you might say, "They're going to go the way of the dodo if they don't keep up with the times."

Overall, the idiom "go out with the ark" adds a touch of humor and playfulness to conversations while highlighting the contrast between modern trends and older, more traditional ways of doing things. So, the next time you encounter someone or something that seems stuck in the past, remember the idiom "go out with the ark" and use it to lightheartedly comment on their outdated style or beliefs.