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be out of action

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be out of action

1. To be ill or injured and thus unable to do one's normal activities. I was out of action there for awhile, but I'm feeling much better after my hospital stay. Our new defenseman does have a broken leg, so he'll be out of action for months.

2. Of a machine, to be not working at all, or malfunctioning in some way. Our washer is out of action, so I'm on my way to the laundromat. Mom called the repairman because our TV is out of action again.

See also: action, of, out

be out of action

 

1. if a machine or vehicle is out of action, it is not working or cannot be used I'm afraid the TV's out of action.

2. if someone who plays sport is out of action, they are injured and cannot play Towers is out of action with a broken wrist.

See also: action, of, out