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Region: General | Usage example: That side argument is neither here nor there.

Neither here nor there

Meaning

Irrelevant to the matter.

Usage

Used to dismiss tangential points.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Old English phrase capturing lack of importance.

Found in 17th-century travelogues.

Related Idioms

Hang in there

Persevere through tough times.

There are plenty more fish in the sea

There are many other opportunities or people.

The buck stops here

Accepting responsibility for a decision or outcome.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.