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Fifth Wheel

What Does "Fifth Wheel" Mean?

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"Fifth wheel" is an English idiom. It means "an extra or unnecessary person or thing."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "fifth wheel" used in a sentence:
  • I felt like a fifth wheel at their couples' dinner.
  • We already have four people working on this, so a fifth would be a fifth wheel.
  • She didn't want to go to the party and feel like a fifth wheel.
meaning for fifth wheel

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Fifth Wheel" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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