send someone 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 someone to Coventry

refuse to associate with or speak to someone. chiefly British
This expression, which dates from the mid 18th century, is thought by some to stem from the extreme unpopularity of soldiers stationed in Coventry, who were cut off socially by the citizens. Another suggestion is that the phrase arose because Royalist prisoners were sent to Coventry during the English Civil War, the city being staunchly Parliamentarian.
See also: Coventry, send, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • send (one) to Coventry
  • send somebody 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)