send somebody to Coventry
send (one) to Coventry
To ostracize; to ignore or refuse to communicate with one, typically as a form of punishment. Primarily heard in UK. When I refused to help them cheat, the other students sent me to Coventry.
See also: Coventry, send
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
send somebody to ˈCoventry
(British English) refuse to speak to somebody, as a way of punishing them for something they have done: Joe worked all through the strike, so when it was over, the other workers sent him to Coventry.This may come from the English Civil War when the city of Coventry was a strong supporter of Parliament. Supporters of the King who were taken prisoner were sometimes sent there.See also: Coventry, send, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- send (one) to Coventry
- send someone to Coventry
- fiddle (someone) out of (something)
- give (one) the shaft
- give somebody the shaft
- give someone the shaft
- give the shaft
- cleave
- cleave to
- cleave to (one)