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3. not out of the woods

not out of the woods

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not out of the woods

1. slightly better but not yet well The operation went fine, but she's not out of the woods yet – the next 24 hours will tell us whether or not she'll recover.

Usage notes: said about someone's health

2. improving but not yet good Our sales went up last month, but the company is not out of the woods yet.

Usage notes: said about financial problems and sometimes used in the form out of the woods (in good condition): If we continue to watch our expenses, we should be out of the woods in a month.

See also: not, of, out, wood