# lost on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lost-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Not understood or appreciated by (someone).

## Examples

- The joke was lost on him.
- I tried to explain the beauty of the poem, but the meaning was clearly lost on my students.
- The subtle irony of his remarks was entirely lost on the audience, who took his biting criticism as a sincere compliment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.