out of the loop
Meaning
Not informed or not included in communication, so you don’t know what’s happening.
Origin
From the idea of a communication/information “loop” where updates circulate among participants; being outside that loop means you don’t receive the messages and are uninformed.
Notes
Common in workplaces. Often a polite way to say you weren’t informed. Used with “on/about” to specify the topic; can imply exclusion or just missed updates.
Examples
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I was out of the loop during my vacation, so I missed the policy change.
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If you don’t copy Maya on the emails, she’ll be out of the loop on the project.
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Sorry I’m late—can someone catch me up? I’m totally out of the loop.
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He felt out of the loop when everyone referenced a meeting he wasn’t invited to.
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Keep me in the loop; I don’t want to be out of the loop again.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with ‘be’: “I’m out of the loop.” Also “keep someone in the loop” (opposite). Topic can be added: “out of the loop on/about X.” Fairly fixed; not typically pluralized.
Synonyms
- uninformed
- not in the know
- left out
- out of touch (with updates)
Antonyms
- in the loop
- in the know
- up to speed