Sort out/separate the wheat from the chaff

usgb
idiom

Distinguish valuable from worthless.

The competition will separate the wheat from the chaff, revealing the best athletes.
Visual representation of "sort out/separate the wheat from the chaff" - Distinguish valuable from worthless

Often appears as...

  • exams separate the wheat from the chaff
  • market forces will separate the wheat from the chaff

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "sort out/separate the wheat from the chaff"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Origin

Understand this idiom's origin from separating grain (wheat) from inedible parts (chaff) during harvesting.

Illustration for Metaphorical Origin
Ancient farming practices involved winnowing to sort out the wheat from the chaff.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Evaluation Context

Use this phrase when describing a process of evaluating quality, performance, or suitability of individuals or things.

Illustration for Evaluation Context
The audition was a chance to sort out the wheat from the chaff among actors.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-Literal Use

Remember, it's about figuratively separating the good from the bad, not literally dividing grains.

Illustration for Non-Literal Use
Before we launch, let's sort out the wheat from the chaff in these marketing strategies.
Visual representation of the word "Sort out/separate the wheat from the chaff"

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