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middle of nowhere

ˈmɪdl əv ˈnoʊwɛr

Travel
informal
beginner
Literally:
the center of a place that is nothing

What does "middle of nowhere" mean?

a very remote or isolated location far from any town or city

Examples

  • Our car broke down in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone signal.
  • The cabin is in the middle of nowhere, perfect for a quiet retreat.
  • Why would they build a restaurant in the middle of nowhere?

Origin

Colloquial expression that emerged in the 19th century.

How to use it

Can be positive (peaceful isolation) or negative (inconvenient remoteness).

Similar expressions

the back of beyond
the boondocks
out in the sticks

Opposites

in the heart of the city
downtown

Related idioms

  • hit the road

    To leave or depart on a journey

  • in the same boat

    In the same difficult situation as someone else

  • miss the boat

    To miss an opportunity

  • go the extra mile

    to make more effort than is expected or required

  • a long way to go

    much more work or progress is needed before completion

  • that ship has sailed

    The opportunity has passed

Use it in a practice answer

Try "middle of nowhere" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.

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