The idiom "fifth wheel" is used to describe a person who is not needed or is unnecessary in a particular situation. It is often used to refer to someone who is an extra or a third wheel in a group of people who are already comfortable with each other and don't need another person.
For example, if a group of three friends are hanging out and a fourth person joins them, that person might feel like a "fifth wheel" because they are not an essential part of the group and their presence is not necessary.
The idiom can also be used in situations where someone is not contributing anything useful or is just getting in the way. For instance, if a team is working on a project and one member is not doing anything productive, they might be referred to as a "fifth wheel."
In summary, "fifth wheel" is an idiom used to describe someone who is not needed or is unnecessary in a particular situation.
• Even though they were married for years, she still felt like a fifth wheel around his friends.
• It's hard to enjoy a party when you feel like a fifth wheel.
• When I go out with my friends, I always feel like a fifth wheel.
• I felt like a fifth wheel on my friend's date.
• The new employee felt like a fifth wheel at the company retreat, but he tried to make the most of it.
• John felt like a fifth wheel when he attended the meeting but wasn't assigned any task.