pull out of one’s arse: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘pull out of one's arse’ mean?

An idiom meaning to improvise or make up something without any basis or evidence.

Idiom Explorer

Unconventional Source of Ingenuity

The idiom "pull out of one's arse" is a colloquial expression that has gained prominence in the English language. Here are the facts known about this idiom:

The idiom likely originates from British English and has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. It is considered informal and somewhat vulgar in nature.

The idiom employs a figurative usage of the word "arse," which is a slang term for the buttocks or posterior. The phrase suggests the action of retrieving or producing something from an unexpected or seemingly impossible place, namely one's rectum.

In a figurative sense, "pull out of one's arse" signifies conjuring up or inventing something without any substantial basis or evidence. It implies the creation of facts or ideas out of thin air, often used to criticize the credibility or validity of a statement or claim.

The idiom can be found in different variations, such as "pull out of thin air" and "pull out of nowhere." These variations maintain the same metaphorical meaning and are used interchangeably.

Now that we have established the facts, let us delve into a more detailed analysis of the idiom "pull out of one's arse," focusing on its meaning and usage in the United States:

The idiom "pull out of one's arse" holds a distinct place in the colorful tapestry of English idioms. Its figurative meaning revolves around the idea of fabricating or producing something out of an improbable source, namely one's own rectum. This peculiar expression reflects an almost comical image of conjuring ideas or facts from a place that one would not typically associate with such a task, adding an exaggerated flair to its usage.

In its figurative sense, "pull out of one's arse" conveys a notion of untrustworthiness and lack of credibility when someone presents information without any substantial backing. The phrase serves as a pointed criticism of individuals who seemingly invent claims or ideas without proper research or justification, questioning their integrity and intellectual honesty.

In the United States, this idiom may be employed to highlight skepticism towards baseless assertions or to challenge individuals who fail to provide reliable evidence to support their claims. Whether in casual conversations or public debates, the idiom can provide a humorous and emphatic way to convey doubt or disbelief in a statement's authenticity.

The related idiom "make it up as one goes along" shares a similar concept with "pull out of one's arse." It suggests the act of improvisation or creating something without a predetermined plan or foundation. Both idioms convey the idea of generating ideas or information without an established basis, emphasizing the lack of structure or coherence in the resulting output.

Similarly, the idiom "think up" complements the notion of inventing or fabricating something out of nothing. "Think up" implies the process of generating ideas or solutions through creative thinking or imagination. It aligns with the concept of conjuring ideas out of thin air, further emphasizing the act of pulling something out of an unlikely source.

Despite its informal nature, the idiom "pull out of one's arse" has managed to remain a part of the English lexicon and continues to find its place in everyday conversations. While its usage may not be suitable for formal or professional settings due to its vulgarity, it serves as a vivid reminder of the dynamic and colorful nature of language.

In exploring the idiom "pull out of one's arse," we are confronted with a curious and whimsical expression that sheds light on the intricacies of language and its ability to convey meaning beyond the literal. The idiom, with its origins in British English, has etched its way into the linguistic landscape and continues to engage and amuse language enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom *pull out of one's arse* can be used in a sentence:

  1. He claimed to have the answer, but it was clear he was just pulling it out of his arse.
  2. She always seems to come up with these outrageous ideas, as if she's pulling them out of her arse.
  3. Don't believe everything he says, he's just pulling facts out of his arse.

The idiom *pull out of one's arse* is a colloquial expression used to describe someone who is making up or fabricating information or ideas without any basis in truth or evidence. It implies that the person is speaking or acting in a dishonest or unreliable manner, and is often used to express skepticism or doubt about the validity of their claims.

More "Vulgar" idioms