The phrase "out of the swim" means to be out of touch with current trends or events. It is spelled as /aʊt əv ðə swɪm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "o" in "out" is pronounced with a diphthong /aʊ/ similar to "ow". The "th" in "the" is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative /ð/. The "i" in "swim" is pronounced as a short vowel /ɪ/. This phrase is commonly used in British English and may not be familiar to speakers of other dialects.
The phrase "out of the swim" refers to a state of being isolated, excluded, or left behind in a particular activity, group, or field of interest. The term swim here has a metaphorical meaning, emphasizing the idea of being part of a current, continuous movement or progress. When someone is "out of the swim," they are essentially outside of the mainstream or the current flow of events, which can result in them feeling disconnected or out of touch.
Being out of the swim can occur due to various reasons, including a lack of knowledge, skills, or awareness about the subject at hand. It may also imply a state of being behind the times or outdated in terms of techniques, trends, or advancements in a particular field. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, insignificance, or exclusion from conversations, opportunities, or advancements.
Furthermore, being out of the swim can have negative consequences, as it may result in missed opportunities, limited growth, or a diminishing relevance in a particular area. However, it can also imply a deliberate choice to distance oneself from the mainstream or prevailing trends, usually driven by personal preferences or disinterest.
Overall, "out of the swim" is an idiomatic expression that describes a state of being disconnected, excluded, or left behind in a specific activity, society, or field due to various circumstances like lack of knowledge, outdatedness, or personal choices.