Also: without more ado
Meaning of Idiom ‘Without Further Ado’
The idiom without further ado means without more talk, activity, ceremony, etc. 1Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.,2Jarvie, Gordon. Bloomsbury Dictionary of Idioms. London: Bloomsbury, 2009.,3Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
Usage
The phrase without further ado is often used in formal settings, especially gatherings in which speeches or awards are given, as a way to indicate that the time has come for the main purpose of the occasion and no more introductions, fuss, or ceremony will occur.
Examples Of Use
“So, without further ado, I give you the man of the hour, Mr. Nigel Washington.”
“Without further ado, here are the results of the drawing.”
“Without further ado, the group began their negotiations.”
Origin
Used since the late 1300’s.
An example of a fossil word that is rarely used today except in the present idiom and the related idiom below, the word ado in this idiom refers to activity that is occurring or, in other words, “what is happening.” Further simply means more.
The only other surviving idiom using the word is much ado about nothing. 4Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
More Idioms Starting with W
- Waste One’s Breath
- Wash Your Hands of (Someone or Something)
- What’s the Damage?
- Work One’s Fingers To the Bone
- Out of Wedlock
More Ado Idioms
More Without Idioms
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