to-be-in-the-dark
/tə biː ɪn ðə dɑːk/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
to not know important facts about something. It often suggests that other people know, but you do not.
- I was kept in the dark about the meeting.
- She felt in the dark after the sudden changes.
Adinary Nuance
Use in the dark when someone does not have information. It is close to unaware, but more idiomatic and often suggests exclusion or secrecy. It is also different from ignorant, which can sound more direct or negative. In business or academic writing, this phrase is common when people were not told something important.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- không biết
- Spanish
- a oscuras
- Chinese
- 蒙在鼓里
- Japanese
- 知らされていない
- Korean
- 모르는 채
Etymology
This idiom uses the basic idea of darkness to mean lack of knowledge. It has been used in English since at least the 19th century.
Common phrases
keep someone in the darkbe left in the darkleft in the dark about
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "in the dark" formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speaking and writing.
- What is the difference between "in the dark" and "unaware"?
- "Unaware" is more direct. "In the dark" often suggests someone was not told on purpose.
- Can I say "I am in the dark about this"?
- Yes. It means you do not know the facts or details.
- Is "keep someone in the dark" common in business English?
- Yes. It is often used when someone is not given important information.