Understanding the Idiom 'Of No Account': Meaning, Origin, and Examples

The idiom "of no account" means of little or no importance or value. It is often used to describe someone or something that is insignificant or unimportant. For example, "He is just a small businessman, of no account in the industry."

"Of no account" is a phrase that can be used to describe a person, thing, or situation that is not important or valuable. It can convey a sense of insignificance or unimportance, and is often used to downplay or dismiss something or someone. The phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation, as well as in literature, journalism, and other forms of written expression.

It can also be used in the context of financial transactions, where it means worthless or of little value.

It can be used in a negative way or in a neutral way, depending on the context. For example, "He is a young man of no account" would be a negative use, while "This trinket is of no account" would be a neutral use.

In general, the idiom is used to express that something is not worth paying attention to or is insignificant.

Here are sample sentences using this idiomatic expression:

The small mistake was of no account and didn't affect the overall outcome of the project.
He is just a clerk, of no account in the company.
The old vase is of no account, it's just a cheap knock-off.
She dismissed his apology as being of no account.
The lost money was of no account, it was just a small amount.
He is a young man of no account, no one takes him seriously.
The missing document was of no account, it was just a duplicate.
The broken toy was of no account, it was cheap to begin with.
The minor delay was of no account, it didn't affect the schedule.
The small scratch on the car is of no account, it will buff out easily.

The origin of the phrase "of no account" is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the Middle English phrase "of noght accompt," which means "of no value or importance." The phrase has been in use since at least the 16th century and has been found in literature and other written works from that time period.

The phrase "of no account" is a translation of the Latin phrase "exinanire" which means "to empty out" or "to reduce to nothing." It was used in the context of financial transactions, where it meant worthless or of little value.

The phrase has been used in various forms in different languages, with similar meanings. The French phrase "sans compte" and the German phrase "ohne Bedeutung" for example.

It is interesting to notice that the phrase is still in use today, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time.

Comments

💰“Worth Its (or One’s) Weight in Gold” – Why This Ancient Phrase Still Shines Today

Ever heard someone say something is “worth its weight in gold” and wondered why such an ancient expression still carries so much relevance today? Despite its origin in old-world economies , this idiom has glittered through centuries , cementing its place in modern speech and culture. But let’s take a fresh, deeper dive into this timeless phrase—not just where it comes from, but why it continues to speak volumes in an age where gold isn’t the only valuable asset. 🏺The Origin: A Phrase Forged in Ancient Markets The expression “worth its weight in gold” dates back to times when gold was the universal symbol of wealth , long before the rise of digital currencies or stock exchanges. In the Roman Empire and even earlier, gold wasn’t just a precious metal—it was the gold standard of value . To say something equaled its own physical weight in gold was a powerful way of declaring it extremely precious , irreplaceable , and immensely useful . What’s fascinating is how literal this used ...

🌍 What in the World?! | Unpacking the Meaning of a Curious English Phrase

The English language is full of quirky expressions, but few catch attention quite like “what in the world.” It’s the kind of phrase that instantly signals surprise, confusion, or disbelief, yet it often goes unexamined. In this blog post, we explore the deeper meaning of “what in the world” , its origin, how it's used in modern speech, and why it's such a powerful expression in both casual and dramatic contexts. 🤯 The Emotional Weight Behind “What in the World” At first glance, “what in the world” might seem like just another everyday exclamation. But when someone says it, there’s usually a surge of emotion involved. It’s not just about asking a question —it’s about expressing a reaction . This phrase often pops up when something unexpected or unbelievable happens: You walk into your living room and find your dog wearing your sunglasses. “ What in the world is going on here?” Your coworker shows up in a medieval knight costume. “ What in the world are you wearing?”...

Will-o'-the-Wisp: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms, and How to Use It in a Sentence

Have you ever heard someone say something was like "a will-o'-the-wisp"? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel — and in many ways, it is. This mysterious phrase has deep roots in folklore and is still used in modern language to describe elusive hopes, misleading goals, or mysterious lights in the dark. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning , synonyms , origin , usage , and provide example sentences to help you understand and use "will-o'-the-wisp" effectively. 🌟 What Is the Meaning of "Will-o'-the-Wisp"? A will-o'-the-wisp is: A ghostly or mysterious light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, believed in folklore to lead travelers astray. Figuratively , it refers to something elusive or unattainable — like a goal or dream that always seems just out of reach. 🗣 Synonyms for "Will-o'-the-Wisp" While the term is unique, here are some contextual synonyms that match its figurative ...

🐎 What Does “Hold Your Horses” Mean? [Meaning, Origin, Usage + Examples]

Ever heard someone say “Hold your horses!” and wondered what wild stallions have to do with your everyday plans? Whether you're diving into American idioms or just trying to slow someone down (politely or otherwise), this classic phrase packs more history and character than you'd expect. Let’s explore its meaning, synonyms, usage, origin , and give you 5 handy example sentences to use in your day-to-day convo. 📖 Meaning of "Hold Your Horses" “Hold your horses” means to slow down, wait a moment, or be patient —often used when someone is rushing or jumping to conclusions. It’s a light-hearted and sometimes humorous way to tell someone to pause and think before acting . 🧠 Synonyms for “Hold Your Horses” Looking for variations? Here are some common synonyms and similar expressions : Hang on a second Wait up Slow your roll Take a breather Give it a minute Don’t jump the gun Hold up Pump the brakes 🗣️ Usage and Context This phrase ...

💌 The Meaning of the Idiom "You and Yours" 🫶 — Explained with Examples

When someone says "you and yours," it may sound poetic or old-fashioned, but it's still warm , meaningful , and used in modern conversations. This phrase is an elegant and affectionate way to include you and your loved ones , and it often appears in greetings, well wishes, and heartfelt messages. In this article, we will unpack the true meaning of the idiom "you and yours," explore how it's used in different contexts, and provide original sample sentences. Whether you're crafting a message, a speech, or just looking to understand everyday expressions more deeply, this guide is for you and yours . 💡 What Does "You and Yours" Really Mean? The idiom "you and yours" refers to you and the people closely connected to you — typically your family, partner, or loved ones . It's a collective expression that conveys inclusion, care, and community . ✅ “You” refers to the person being addressed. ✅ “Yours” extends to those who b...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog