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[Understanding the English Idiom: To Be Out in Left Field]-[1035 Daily Easy English Lesson PODCAST—to BE in LEFT FIELD and OUT in LEFT FIELD]

Daily Easy English Expression Podcast · A2 · 2021-09-27

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📋 Summary

Mastering the Idiom: 'To Be Out in Left Field'

In this episode of Easy English Expressions, Coach Shane breaks down the nuanced usage of the popular English idiom, "to be out in left field" and its related form, "to come out of left field." While the expression has roots in baseball, its idiomatic application in modern conversation is primarily used to describe things that are unexpected, strange, or bizarre.

Defining the Expression

Coach Shane distinguishes between the two slightly different ways this phrase is utilized:

  • To come out of left field: This phrasing is specifically used to describe a sudden, surprising, or highly unusual question or statement. It highlights the unexpected nature of an interaction. For example, if a reporter were to ask a president about their "favorite ice cream" during a serious press conference regarding inflation or global warming, the question would be described as having "come out of left field."
  • To be out in left field: This is used to characterize a person or a sentiment as "strange," "weird," or "bizarre." If someone says something completely illogical or acts in an eccentric manner, they are "out in left field."

Practical Application and Context

To illustrate these concepts, the podcast provides a relatable dialogue involving a couple discussing household chores. When one partner suddenly declares, "Honey, I want a divorce," the other immediately responds by saying, "That came out of left field." The shock stems from the sheer randomness and intensity of the statement within the context of their conversation.

Furthermore, the retort, "Now you're out in left field," serves as an accusation that the other person is being irrational or "crazy." By using the word "chores" as the catalyst for the argument, Shane demonstrates how the idiom functions when someone feels that the other party’s perspective is completely disconnected from reality.

Key Takeaways

  • Unexpectedness: The core essence of the phrase is something that catches you off guard. It is the antithesis of a common or expected response.
  • Bizarre Behavior: Using the phrase to describe a person implies they are not acting in a common or reasonable way. It labels their behavior as "weird" or "unusual."

By incorporating these terms into your daily vocabulary, you can more effectively describe moments of social confusion or unexpected shifts in conversation. As Coach Shane emphasizes throughout the episode, mastering these expressions is vital for anyone looking to achieve a more natural command of the English language.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Something very unusual happened, okay?
2
Why are you my girlfriend?
3
That was a weird question.
4
These are good questions, right?
5
It's an unusual question.
Expand All

📝Key Phrases

1
out in left field
2
come out of left field
3
guy talk
4
don't care about
5
make sense
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Hello everybody, my name is Coach Shane and welcome to Easy English Expressions.
Come on, let's master English.
Hello everybody, welcome back to DailyEasyEnglishExpressions, the podcast.
This is number one thousand thirty five and the expression is to be...
out in left field, left field, L-E-F-T-F-I-E-L-D.
And we also say to come out of left field.
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