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- out of the way
out of the way
*out of the way
1. and *out of someone's way; *out of the road Lit. not blocking or impeding the way. (*Typically: get ~; get someone or something ~; move someone or something ~.) Please get out of my way. Would you please get your foot out of the way?
2. and *out of One's way Fig. not along the way; not included in the proposed route. (*Typically: be ~.) I'm sorry, but I can't give you a ride home. It's out of my way. That route is out of our way.
3. Fig. completed; finished. (*Typically: be ~; get something ~; have something ~.) I'm sure glad to have that test out of the way. I'll be happy to have all this medical stuff out of the way.
out of the way
1. not near any cities or large towns We decided to vacation in a quiet place in Maine that is really out of the way.
2. completed I'm glad my final exams are out of the way.
out of the way
1. Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip. This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way, as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way. [Mid-1500s]
2. Taken care of, disposed of, as in I'm glad we got these details out of the way.
3. In a remote location, as in This restaurant is a little out of the way. [Mid-1300s]
4. Unusual, remarkable, as in It was out of the way for him to praise his staff. [Second half of 1500s]
5. Amiss, in error, improper, as in
The security guard checked all the locks and saw nothing out of the way. [Early 1200s] Also see
go out of one's way.
out of the way
1. mod. dead; killed. Now that her husband was out of the way, she began to get out and about more.
2. mod. alcohol intoxicated. After a few more drinks, Bill will be out of the way.
out of the way
1. In such a position as not to obstruct, hinder, or interfere.
2. Taken care of; disposed of: some details to get out of the way first.
3. In a remote location.
4. Of an unusual character; remarkable.
5. Improper; amiss: said nothing out of the way.