Out of the way

Definitions

• clear a path
  Move something or someone to clear a path or make space for others to pass through

• done or dealt with
  Completed or resolved, no longer an obstacle or hindrance

• discouragement
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

Examples of Out of the way

• Please push the cart out of the way so I can pass through.

  This is a common usage of the idiom "out of the way". It implies that the cart is currently obstructing the path of the speaker and needs to be moved aside to allow the speaker to pass by easily.

• I need to work on this project out of the way of distractions.

  In this example, "out of the way" refers to a location or situation where there are minimal distractions or interruptions, allowing the speaker to focus solely on their work.

• The traffic was out of the way, thanks to the road closure.

  Here, "out of the way" means that there were fewer vehicles on the road due to the closure, making it easier for the speaker to travel without encountering heavy traffic.

• The boss kept happening upon her work, so she began working out of the way of his office.

  In this scenario, "out of the way" means far away from the path or location where the boss frequently visits, as the speaker is trying to avoid being interrupted or disturbed by their boss.

• The tourists were advised to keep their valuables out of the way while exploring the crowded market.

  This idiom is used to suggest that the tourists should keep their valuables in a place that is not easily accessible or visible, so that they are less likely to be stolen or lost in the bustling and congested market.

• The construction workers placed the heavy equipment out of the way during the evening shift to avoid disrupting the nightly flow of traffic.

  Here, the idiom is used to signify that the equipment was moved to a position that would not cause any obstruction or disturbance to the regular traffic flow during the night.

• The teacher asked the students to pack their bags out of the way for the upcoming field trip.

  In this case, the teacher requested the students to keep their bags in a place that would not hinder the movement of other students or create any chaos during the field trip.

• The elderly lady was instructed to keep her walker out of the way in the crowded hospital waiting area to avoid creating any inconvenience for other patients.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom is employed to suggest that an individual should move their belongings to a position that does not obstruct the movements of others or contribute to the already chaotic atmosphere in the hospital waiting area.

Conclusion

The idiom "out of the way" can be used to indicate moving something or someone to clear a path, or to signify that something has been completed or resolved and is no longer an obstacle. It can also be used to advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit.

Origin of "Out of the way"

The origin of the idiom "out of the way" can be traced back to the 16th century. The phrase "out of the way" originally meant to move something or someone to clear a path or make space for others to pass through, and it was used in a literal sense. Over time, the idiom evolved to also signify that something has been completed or resolved and is no longer an obstacle. The discouragement meaning may have developed from the idea of removing obstacles from one's path, advising against engaging in activities that may hinder progress. Overall, the idiom has retained its original meaning while also taking on additional connotations over time. Examples of the idiom can be found in various literary works and historical texts from different time periods.