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Put the Genie Back in the Bottle

What Does "Put the Genie Back in the Bottle" Mean?

homeidiomsPut the Genie Back in the Bottle
"Put the genie back in the bottle" is an English idiom. It means "to reverse or undo a significant change or innovation that has already occurred, often implying that it is difficult or impossible."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "put the genie back in the bottle" used in a sentence:
  • Some argue that we cannot put the genie back in the bottle when it comes to the impact of technology on society.
  • Efforts to put the genie back in the bottle and restore traditional practices may face resistance from those who embrace change.
  • It's essential to consider the consequences before attempting to put the genie back in the bottle to avoid unintended outcomes.
meaning for put the genie back in the bottle

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 "Put the Genie Back in the Bottle" 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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