Send somebody to Coventry
phrase
To ignore someone intentionally or avoid speaking to them as a way to punish them.
After he lied about his grades, his parents sent him to Coventry and wouldn't talk for a week.
Often appears as...
- decide to send someone to coventry
- been sent to coventry
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To ignore someone intentionally or avoid speaking to them as a way to punish them.
After he lied about his grades, his parents sent him to Coventry and wouldn't talk for a week.
Often appears as...
- decide to send someone to coventry
- been sent to coventry
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Social Punishment
This phrase means to socially isolate someone as a form of punishment without any physical actions.
She spread rumors, so the class sent her to Coventry.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
The phrase is uniquely British, from a historical event during the English Civil War.
The new student didn't understand when he was sent to Coventry, since he grew up in Canada.
Pro Tip 3/3Silent Treatment
It's an informal way to refer to the act of giving someone the silent treatment.
After the argument, Lara sent her boyfriend to Coventry.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Punishment
This phrase means to socially isolate someone as a form of punishment without any physical actions.
She spread rumors, so the class sent her to Coventry.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
The phrase is uniquely British, from a historical event during the English Civil War.
The new student didn't understand when he was sent to Coventry, since he grew up in Canada.
Pro Tip 3/3Silent Treatment
It's an informal way to refer to the act of giving someone the silent treatment.
After the argument, Lara sent her boyfriend to Coventry.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Punishment
This phrase means to socially isolate someone as a form of punishment without any physical actions.
She spread rumors, so the class sent her to Coventry.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
The phrase is uniquely British, from a historical event during the English Civil War.
The new student didn't understand when he was sent to Coventry, since he grew up in Canada.
Pro Tip 3/3Silent Treatment
It's an informal way to refer to the act of giving someone the silent treatment.
After the argument, Lara sent her boyfriend to Coventry.
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