Phrases & Expressions

To create a new possibility or opportunity for someone.

• This new job will open the door to many possibilities.
• Her success opened the door for other women.

Completely unconscious or fast asleep, often due to exhaustion or illness.

• After the marathon, he was out cold.
• The ball hit him on the head and knocked him out cold.

Breathing with difficulty after exercise.

• I was out of breath after running.
• He was out of breath when he arrived.

No longer operating.

• The shop went out of business.
• Many companies are out of business.

In a safe place, away from any danger or risk.

• The children were moved out of harm's way.
• Make sure everyone is out of harm's way before starting.

Not present at the workplace or office, usually due to absence or leave.

• My automatic reply says I'm out of office.
• She is out of office until next week.

Not available or not grown at the current time of year.

• You can't buy fresh peaches; they're out of season.
• Trying to find fresh strawberries out of season is hard.

Not physically healthy or strong enough for exercise.

• I'm really out of shape these days.
• He gets out of shape easily.

Suddenly and unexpectedly.

• She called me out of the blue.
• Out of the blue, he proposed.

Completely impossible or not allowed.

• My friend Emily wanted me to climb Mount McKinley with her, but I told her it was out of the question.
• You want to borrow my new car and drive across the country? Sorry, that's out of the question.