out of the loop

First use appears c. 1973. See cite below. Its use is thought by some to have roots in computer or telephony terminology.

• Audio (General Australian):

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out of the loop

1. (idiomatic) Not informed, up-to-date, or current; not included in a process or discussion.

   Synonyms: out of touch, in the dark

   Antonyms: in the loop, in touch

   • 1973, International Federation of Air Traffic Controller's Association (contributor), The Controller, Volumes 12-15, page 22:

     Automation technology can lead to complacency when it takes the controller ‘out of the loop’ by reducing the need for his interaction with a flightcrew and de-emphasizing the cooperative aspects of the air traffic system.

   • 1976 September 16, “Former Nixon Aide Denies Soliciting Campaign Fund”, in New York Times:

     "I was out of the loop," he added, explaining that he was planning to leave government at that time.

   • 1995, Tom Clancy, Debt of Honor‎^[1], →ISBN:

     “Well, we've been out of the loop for a few hours. Anything new that you know?”

   • 2001 August 27, Tony Karon, “Why Macedonians Balk at NATO's Presence”, in Time:

     The members of parliament have felt ignored by their leaders for much of this crisis, and were kept out of the loop during the negotiations.

• “out of the loop”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.