One of the best ways to sound close to a native speaker is to use idioms in casual conversations and there is a lot in the English Language. This week, our theme is idioms starting with the word ‘out’.
Out of the Woods
Meaning: to be out of trouble.
Sample Sentence: Thank goodness, David got out of the woods by lending his extra batteries.
Sample Dialogue:
A: We have a problem, Jake.
B: What?
A: The file of the presentation is missing.
B: Have you checked the trash bin?
A: I did. And it’s not in there.
B: Mark, the file is missing.
C: Oh, the system was rebooted yesterday.
A/B: Oh, no! We need that for the 10 am presentation.
D: I saved the files on an external drive. Here!
A: Thanks! You got out of the woods.
Photo by energepic.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-pointing-on-the-screen-of-a-laptop-313691/
Out of the Question
Meaning: not possible or allowed.
Sample Sentence: Bringing alcohol inside the dormitory is out of the question.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Dad, I’m going out with my friends on the long weekend.
B: Where to?
A: At a resort by the beach.
B: Fine but you need to promise me that no alcohol. And boys are out of the question.
A: Yes, Dad. I promise.
Out of the Blue
Meaning: suddenly
Sample Sentence: He just got mad out of the blue.
Sample Dialogue:
A: How was your weekend?
B: It was a blast!
A: Oh, what did you do?
B: I attended an outdoor concert.
A: That sounds indeed fun!
B: I thought only some local artists would attend but I was so surprised when big artists performed.
A: Wow, that’s indeed a weekend to remember.
Out of the Picture
Meaning: no longer involved, irrelevant.
Sample Sentence: Ever since they broke up, Daniel has been out of the picture.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Long time no see, Mary.
B: How have you been, Daisy?
A: I’m good but where’s Greg?
B: Oh, we have broken up a few weeks ago.
A: I see, that makes sense why he suddenly was out of the picture.
Out of the Ordinary
Meaning: unusual.
Sample Sentence: Nothing out of the ordinary happened while you were away.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Welcome back. Did you guys have fun?
B: We did. It’s been a while since the last time we went out. Thank you for looking at the kids.
A: No problem.
B: And how did they behave?
A: They were such sweethearts. Don’t worry nothing out of the ordinary happened
Out of this World
Meaning: extremely enjoyable or impressive.
Sample Sentence: The party was out of this world.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Hey, let’s eat out for lunch.
B: Sure. I’m actually already hungry.
A: Let’s go to Luigi’s.
B: Luigi’s? Where’s that?
A: You seriously haven’t been there?
B: Not yet.
A: You’re kidding! Their pasta is out of this world!
B: Let’s go then!
Out of the Closet
Meaning: To publicly announce a belief or preference that one has kept hidden, especially one’s sexual preference.
Sample Sentence: It was a shock to everyone when the famous actor came out of the closet.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Have you heard about the latest tea?
B: What news?
A: Paul’s brother has come out of the closet.
B: Wait, the one on the soccer team?
A: Yeah.
B: And what was the other members’ reaction?
A: I guess they already know about it so they are cool about it.
B: Well, that’s good to hear.
Out of Someone’s Way
Meaning: not obstructing or impeding someone; not in someone’s path.
Sample Sentence: Just get out of her way when Laura is upset.
Sample Dialogue:
A: The drama club is really busy preparing the stage.
B: Oh, what’s the event?
A: A musical.
C: Excuse me. Sorry, but can you get out of our way? We’re carrying heavy stuff we might hit you accidentally if you stay there
A: Sure. Sorry.
