neutral
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gender-neutral
1. Not giving an indication of someone's or something's gender. Our campus is trying to settle on a gender-neutral term to use for students who don't identify as male or female. Is there a gender-neutral title in the vein of "Ms." and "Mr."? I went to an all-girls' high school, and they used the gender-neutral term "frosh" instead of "freshman."
2. Applicable to any gender. My daughters have so many dolls—I wish they had more gender-neutral toys to play with. Don't they have any gender-neutral clothes for kids? My daughter doesn't want to be covered in unicorns, and my son couldn't care less about dinosaurs! A: "They don't want to find out if they're having a boy or a girl." B: "I guess they're going with a gender-neutral paint color for the nursery then."
in neutral
Of a vehicle, having the gear stick set to "neutral," wherein the engine is running but doesn't transmit power to the wheels. OK, put the car in neutral, and we'll try to push it to that gas station down the road. He put the car in neutral and let it roll to a slow coasting speed. Why aren't we moving? Ah, because I accidentally put the car in neutral—whoops!
See also: neutral
on neutral ground
In a location or setting to which neither side (e.g., in an argument, competition, etc.) has a connection and therefore gains no benefit or advantage. I find couple's therapy to be helpful because it gives each partner a chance to air their frustrations on neutral ground. The peace deal between the two countries was brokered on neutral ground in the European capital.
on neutral territory
In a location or setting to which neither side (e.g., in an argument, competition, etc.) has a connection and therefore gains no benefit or advantage. I find couple's therapy to be helpful because it gives each partner a chance to air their frustrations on neutral territory. The peace deal between the two countries was brokered on neutral territory in the European capital.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in neutral
with the shift lever of a vehicle in the position where the motor is running but is not powering the wheels or other moving parts. The car rolled down the hill because I'd left it in neutral and did not put on the brake. If you are moving and in neutral, you do not have control of your vehicle.
See also: neutral
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on neutral ˈground/ˈterritory
in a place that has no connection with either of the people or sides who are meeting and so does not give an advantage to either of them: We decided to meet on neutral ground.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017