Fixed expressions
Idioms
English fixed expressions — phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. Each entry shows the meaning, an example sentence, and its register.
Idioms containing out, including its inflections. Clear word filter
a fish out of water
CEFR B1Someone who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.
get out of hand
CEFR B1To become impossible to control.
out of the question
CEFR B1completely impossible or not permitted
down and out
CEFR B2in severe hardship, especially without money, resources, or prospects
iron out the kinks
CEFR B2to fix the last small problems in a plan, process, or product
out of one's hands
CEFR B2no longer one's responsibility or under one's control
out of order
CEFR B2not working properly
out of the running
CEFR B2no longer being considered for a prize, position, or competition
out of the woods
CEFR B2past the worst of a danger or difficulty
out of thin air
CEFR B2to seem to materialize suddenly without any apparent origin
out on a limb
CEFR B2in a vulnerable position after taking an unusual or unsupported risk
take a leaf out of someone's book
CEFR B2to follow someone's good example by copying what they do
take the wind out of someone's sails
CEFR B2to suddenly weaken a person's confidence, excitement, or determination
out of kilter
CEFR C1misaligned, unsettled, or operating abnormally
out of the frying pan into the fire
CEFR C1To escape one bad situation only to land in a worse one.