What does it mean when people say "I'll be gone until November"?

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Hi members,
I have a question about the phrase "I'll be gone until November." Could you please explain what people mean when they say this? I appreciate a quick response. Thanks!

Madie Hilpert · Accepted Answer

People do not use this line in the same way they use idiomatic phrases. It is rarely heard, and if you do hear it, it will typically be from music artists, particularly rappers (such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne, etc.).

There is a song titled "Gone Til November," performed by Wyclef Jean, which tells the story of a drug dealer who must leave his girlfriend to continue his illegal activities.

The dealer explains to his girlfriend that he cannot work a typical job (known as a "nine-to-five"); he lacks the patience to earn slow money at a mundane job. The allure of quick money from drug dealing is too strong for him. Therefore, he will be gone until November, dealing drugs (see Rap Genius).

While the phrase may not have the same meaning in all contexts, there appears to be a cult following among rappers who use the phrase. For example, Lil Wayne included this line in his song Miss Me because he was incarcerated on weapons charges until November 2010. This is also a reference to Wyclef’s "Gone Till November."

Some have noted that it is in October when the DEA begins pursuing drug dealers they have been tracking throughout the year, and November is when it becomes safe for them to resume their operations.

Tip! Discover the 50 most useful idioms and their meanings at Smart-Words.org, and explore 10 words that may not mean what you think they do at DailyWritingTips.com.

Anya Stehr

What does it mean when people say "I'll be gone until November"?

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