Sent to Coventry
Meaning
To be sent to Coventry means to be deliberately ignored and excluded by a group of people, as if you no longer exist to them.
Origin
During the tumultuous English Civil War in the 17th century, the city of Coventry was a staunchly Parliamentarian stronghold, known for its fierce loyalty to the cause. Royalist prisoners of war captured by the Parliamentarian forces were often brought to Coventry for confinement. However, the local citizens, deeply hostile towards the Royalists, would famously refuse to speak to, acknowledge, or even interact with these prisoners in any way. This deliberate and complete social ostracism, a form of psychological punishment, was so profound and widespread that it gave birth to the phrase "sent to Coventry," which then entered the English lexicon as a vivid description of being utterly ignored and excluded by a community.
Examples
- After he betrayed their trust, the whole team sent him to Coventry, refusing to acknowledge his presence in meetings.
- She felt like she had been sent to Coventry ever since her controversial opinion was aired, finding herself completely isolated.