Definition of the word wheel out

The origin of the phrase "wheel out" can be traced back to the early 20th century, where it was initially used in the context of theater productions. The phrase referred to the practice of literally rolling a revolving stage, or "wheel," out into view, thereby revealing a new setting or scene for the performers to act in. Over time, the phrase "wheel out" began to be used metaphorically as a figurative way of describing the presentation of something as a spectacle or key attraction. This meaning can be seen in the following usage notes from the Oxford English Dictionary, which highlight instances of the phrase from the 1950s through the 1970s: - 1957: "The Executive Committee ... tendered a sod for the foundation stone; and wheeled out a band for the ceremony." - 1960: "Shops are wheeled out for shopping festivals, restaurants for food festivals, gardens for flower shows." - 1970: "Cameras rush mee through the traffic as I wheel my girlfriend out for talk of love." Thus, today the phrase "wheel out" is commonly used to describe the deliberate presentation of something as a significant or distinctive offering, whether in the context of entertainment, marketing, or other settings where a showcasing or display of an item is sought.