the likes of
Definition
Noun Phrase: - People or things of a similar type or kind: Used to refer to a group of people or things that are similar to the one(s) just mentioned, often with a dismissive or negative connotation when referring to people.
Usage
The phrase "the likes of" is used to group together similar people or things. It often implies that the mentioned person or thing is an example of a broader, typically undesirable, category. - It is commonly used in informal and spoken English. - It frequently carries a critical or scornful tone when referring to people, suggesting they are not welcome or are of poor quality.
Examples
- (This groups together famous, respected artists of a similar stature.)
- (This is dismissive, suggesting the person does not belong in that place.)
- (This expresses strong disapproval of him and people like him.)
Advanced Usage
- "and the like": A related phrase meaning "and similar things" or "and so on". It is more neutral and is used for things, not people.
- The store sells pens, pencils, notebooks, and the like.
Variants and Related Words
- Like (noun): Used in the singular form "like" to mean a similar person or thing.
- I've never seen the like of it before. (I've never seen anything similar to it before.)
- Such as: A more formal and neutral preposition used to introduce examples.
- They study subjects such as physics and chemistry.
Synonyms
- Such as (more formal, neutral)
- For example (neutral, introductory phrase)
- The likes of (informal, often negative for people)
Related Idioms
- And the like: And other similar things.
- She enjoys outdoor activities: hiking, cycling, and the like.
Noun
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a similar kind
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dogs, foxes, and the like, we don't want the likes of you around here
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