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The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

Out of touch with reality

Meaning

Describes someone who fails to understand or acknowledge the true state of a situation or the practicalities of everyday life.

Origin

The phrase 'out of touch' has roots centuries deep, originally describing a lack of physical contact or communication. But when the word 'reality' joined it, the idiom gained a profound, psychological weight. This wasn't merely about missing a letter or a phone call; it was about a fundamental divergence from the observable truth of life itself. As the 20th century deepened our understanding of the human mind and its potential for perception, the idea of a mind diverging from shared, objective reality became a compelling, sometimes unsettling, concept. Thus, the phrase crystallized into our modern idiom, vividly portraying someone trapped within their own subjective bubble, unable to grasp the tangible, undeniable world outside.

Examples

  • The CEO's latest proposal was so unrealistic that many employees felt he was completely out of touch with reality.
  • After spending years in their isolated mansion, the wealthy couple seemed out of touch with reality when discussing the struggles of average citizens.
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