Meaning: To be disregarded, abandoned, or lost, often referring to rules, plans, or ideas that are no longer followed or relevant.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “Once the party started, all her plans to keep things organized went out the window.”
- “After the new manager came in, the company’s old policies went out the window.”
- “His promise to stick to a healthy diet went out the window when he saw the dessert menu.”
Origin:
The idiom likely derives from the literal image of something being thrown out of a window, symbolizing its removal or disregard. It has been in use since the 16th century, evolving into a figurative phrase to describe abandoning ideas or plans.