pigeonhole
Translation
to pigeonhole, to categorise, to label
Examples
Don't pigeonhole me as just a writer.
Don't pigeonhole me as just a writer.
He was pigeonholed early in his career.
He was pigeonholed early in his career.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((as sth.)) to unfairly categorise (sb./sth.) as (sth.) Don't pigeonhole me as just a writer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: categorise, classify, stereotype, label
Etymology
From 'pigeon' + 'hole', referring to the small compartments in a dovecote for pigeons. This extended metaphorically to putting people or ideas into restrictive categories.
Memory Tips
Imagine trying to fit a complex person into a tiny, restrictive pigeon's nesting box. It's an unfair and limiting classification.