What Does "Runt of the Litter" Mean?
"Runt of the litter" is an English idiom. It means "the smallest or weakest member of a group or family, often used to describe the youngest or least significant individual."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "runt of the litter" used in a sentence:- Among the siblings, he was the runt of the litter, always trying to keep up with his older brothers and sisters.
- The smallest puppy in the litter was affectionately called the runt, but it grew into a strong and lively dog.
- In a litter of kittens, the runt may require extra care and attention to ensure it thrives and grows.
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 "Runt of the Litter" 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.
A Quick Test
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