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3. out from under

out from under

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out from under (something)

no longer being controlled by something They're struggling to get out from under a lot of debt.

Usage notes: often used after get: Unfortunately, more employers are trying to get out from under state regulations.

See also: out

out from under

Free from difficulties, especially from a burden of debts or work. For example, They've been using credit cards for everything and don't know how they'll get out from under , or We have loads of mail to answer, but we'll soon get out from under. This idiom uses under in the sense of "in a position of subjection." [Mid-1800s]

See also: out

out from under

Informal

Having gotten free of worries or difficulties: Credit counseling helped us get out from under.

See also: out