Laugh somebody/something out of court
phrase
To unkindly or scornfully dismiss something or someone as being ridiculous or unworthy of serious consideration.
The politician's bizarre proposal was laughed out of court by many.

Often appears as...
- laughed out of court
- laughing out of court
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To unkindly or scornfully dismiss something or someone as being ridiculous or unworthy of serious consideration.
The politician's bizarre proposal was laughed out of court by many.

Often appears as...
- laughed out of court
- laughing out of court
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1

Negative Connotation
The phrase implies strong disapproval and is used to express that an idea is absurd.

Her plan to turn the office into a zoo was laughed out of court.
Not Literal
It doesn't involve actual laughter or a court; it's a figurative way to say an idea was dismissed.

His idea about flying cars was laughed out of court.
Informal Context
Best used in casual conversations or writing, not in formal contexts.

The artist's unusual design was quickly laughed out of court.
Negative Connotation
The phrase implies strong disapproval and is used to express that an idea is absurd.

Her plan to turn the office into a zoo was laughed out of court.
Not Literal
It doesn't involve actual laughter or a court; it's a figurative way to say an idea was dismissed.

His idea about flying cars was laughed out of court.
Informal Context
Best used in casual conversations or writing, not in formal contexts.

The artist's unusual design was quickly laughed out of court.
Negative Connotation
The phrase implies strong disapproval and is used to express that an idea is absurd.

Her plan to turn the office into a zoo was laughed out of court.
Not Literal
It doesn't involve actual laughter or a court; it's a figurative way to say an idea was dismissed.

His idea about flying cars was laughed out of court.
Informal Context
Best used in casual conversations or writing, not in formal contexts.

The artist's unusual design was quickly laughed out of court.
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