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out of context
01
used of a statement or remark that is quoted in an incomplete or inaccurate way, often to the point that makes it hard to understand if not misunderstood
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "out of context" and when to use it?
The idiom "out of context" originates from the literal concept of removing a statement, phrase, or situation from its original surrounding circumstances or environment. The phrase is used to indicate that something is being misunderstood, misinterpreted, or misrepresented because it is separated from its proper context.
Example
The headline of the article was misleading because it presented a quote out of context, distorting the speaker's intended message.
The tabloid magazine hacked the celebrity's interview, selectively quoting statements out of context.
Critics argued the reporter had been skewing her coverage by continuously extorting quotes out of context.
Sharing snippets of a social media post without the full context can result in misunderstandings and the information being taken out of context.
As a courtesy, please do not take any phrases out of context when quoting from the interview.
