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There may have been a time in which you have heard someone use the term round robin in a conversation, but what does this saying mean and where did it originally come from? We are going to look at the answers to these questions as well as looking at how the phrase can be used in a day to day conversation.
“Round Robin” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The idiom “round robin” refers specifically to a method or process where participants take turns in a structured way, typically in a circular or rotating manner.
“Round Robin” Meaning
A round robin can refer to a method of discussion or decision-making where participants take turns in a sequential manner. For example, in a meeting, each person might contribute their thoughts in turn, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Examples:
- “In the round robin tournament, each team will face every other team at least once.”
- “We decided to use a round robin format for our team meeting so that everyone could share their ideas.”
Origin of this idiomatic expression
The term round robin originates from a naval history when seamen would sign this type of document and gave it the name round robin. The term comes from the French rond rouban, which was a petition of a similar style where the names were written on a piece of ribbon.
Usage of “Round Robin”
- In a sports setting:
“The soccer league used a round-robin format, so each team played against every other team at least once.”
- In a work context:
“We’ll follow a round-robin schedule for presentations, giving everyone a chance to share their ideas.”
- In group communication:
“The team sent a round-robin letter to the CEO, with each member adding their concerns and signatures.”
- In a classroom or discussion setting:
“The teacher organized a round-robin reading session, where each student took turns reading a passage aloud.”
Related Terms to “Round Robin”
- Turn-taking – a method of allowing individuals to speak or participate in a sequential manner.
- Sequential discussion – a discussion format where participants contribute one after another.
- Collaborative decision-making – a process where multiple individuals work together to reach a decision.
- Consensus building – a process of working towards agreement among group members.
- Rotating leadership – a practice where leadership roles or speaking turns are shared among participants.
Other Ways to Say “Round Robin”
There are other ways in which you could say the phrase round robin, here are some examples of this.
- Rond rouban
- Circular petition
“Round Robin” Examples
Examples in Statements
There may be many different scenarios in which the term round robin might be heard, we are now going to look at some examples of this.
The first statement is from a history lesson.
- The peasants signed a round robin in order that they would not anger the king.
The next statement is being made in the workplace.
- Perhaps the staff ought to sign a round robin so that the boss doesn’t know it’s you who had this idea.
Conversation Examples
The term round robin can be heard in various different conversational situations. Let’s take a look at some examples of conversations in which the phrase might be found.
The first conversation is taking place between two employees.
- Person 1: “I think we need to petition against the longer hours.”
- Person 2: “I think those in charge would hold the ring leader accountable to any productivity loss.”
- Person 1: “If we sign a round robin, they won’t know who to blame.”
The next conversation is happening between two friends.
- Person 1: “Everyone wants to go to the movies for Ellen’s birthday but John wants to go and play golf.”
- Person 2: “Well, he is outvoted.”
- Person 1: “He won’t accept being told by just one of us.”
- Person 2: “Then we will write to him and sign a round robin to show we stand united.”
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