Which swimmer is the odd one out? Photo: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
Today's Phrase
If someone or something is an 'odd man out' or an 'odd one out', it is unlike the others in a group.
Examples
When I got to the party everyone was wearing beautifully tailored suits and I was in ripped jeans and a smelly t-shirt. Felt like a bit of an odd man out.
Martha was always the odd one out. She never joined in when the other kids played.
Martha was always the odd one out. She never joined in when the other kids played.
Take note
An 'odd-job man' is a man paid to do many different kinds of jobs, often around the home.
I got Billy the odd-job man to fix my shelves and cut the grass in my garden. He did a great job so I recommended him to my neighbour.
Interesting fact
This year's UK Cold Water Swimming Championships saw 600 swimmers brave the near-freezing waters at a lido in South London. There are a number of 'lidos', or outdoor swimming pools, in London and around the UK. The word comes from an Italian word meaning 'beach'.