left the reservation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left the reservation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used metaphorically to indicate that someone has deviated from expected behavior or norms. Example: "After years of following the corporate rules, she finally left the reservation and pursued her passion for art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I left the reservation.

The New Yorker

The deaths left the reservation reeling.

The New York Times

"But he never did, never left the reservation".

The New York Times - Sports

Hence, in 1870 an insurgent band of Modocs under Kintpuash, a subchief known to the American military as Captain Jack, left the reservation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Nakai, 56, spent much of her childhood here, but like her siblings and two grown children, she left the reservation to pursue an education and career.

The New York Times

The management of his successors, however, was disastrous, and spurred by Geronimo, hundreds of Apaches left the reservation to resume their war against the whites.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As Donald Fixico of the University of Kansas points out in a recent book*, many Indians who left the reservations, prodded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have been homesick for Indian traditions, such as the communal approach to ownership.

The Economist

When the hunting season arrived in the spring, many more Native Americans left the reservations and headed out to join Sitting Bull, whose growing number of followers eventually made camp on the Little Bighorn River (a branch of the Bighorn River) in southern Montana Territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People used to leave the reservation in order to work.

The Economist

"They won't leave the reservation and get a good education.

The New York Times

Crazy Horse is leaving the reservation but not on the warpath.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "left the reservation", consider the connotations of the word "reservation". Is it used literally, referring to indigenous lands, or metaphorically, referring to a set of constraints or expectations?

Common error

Avoid using "left the reservation" metaphorically when the literal meaning could cause misunderstanding or offense, particularly in discussions about indigenous peoples. Ensure the metaphorical usage is clear and respectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left the reservation" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of departure. It describes the act of exiting a specific geographic or metaphorical boundary. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left the reservation" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of departing from a reservation, either literally or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to consider the potential sensitivities related to its use, especially when referring to indigenous communities. By understanding its connotations and contexts, you can use "left the reservation" effectively and respectfully in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departed from the reservation

Synonymous, emphasizing the act of leaving.

exited the reservation

Formal synonym for leaving, suggesting a more official departure.

moved away from the reservation

Simple and direct synonym, emphasizing the physical distance.

left tribal lands

Broader term referring to any departure from indigenous territories.

emigrated from the reservation

Implies a permanent move and resettlement elsewhere.

relocated from the reservation

Focuses on the change of location from the reservation.

abandoned the reservation

Implies a complete and possibly negative departure.

ventured beyond the reservation

Emphasizes exploring or taking risks outside the known territory.

escaped the reservation

Suggests a departure from undesirable circumstances.

broke free from the reservation

Highlights the sense of liberation and independence gained by leaving.

FAQs

What does "left the reservation" mean?

The phrase "left the reservation" can literally mean to have departed from indigenous lands. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest someone has deviated from expected norms or behaviors.

How can I use "left the reservation" in a sentence?

You can use "left the reservation" to describe someone who physically moved away from indigenous lands. For example: "Many young people "left the reservation" in search of better job opportunities."

What are some alternatives to "left the reservation"?

Alternatives to "left the reservation" include "departed from the reservation", "moved away from the reservation", or "relocated from the reservation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "left the reservation" metaphorically?

Using "left the reservation" metaphorically can be acceptable if the context is carefully considered and there's no risk of causing offense or misunderstanding. Ensure the intended meaning is clear and respectful. Other alternatives like "stepped outside the lines" or "broke away from convention" may be more appropriate in some cases.