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3. out of the woods

out of the woods

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out of the woods

Fig. past a critical phase; out of the unknown. When thepatient got out of the woods, everyone relaxed. I can give you a better prediction for your future health when you are out of the woods.

See also: of, out, wood

out of the woods

Out of difficulties, danger or trouble, as in We're through the worst of the recession-we're out of the woods now, or That pneumonia was serious, but Charles is finally out of the woods. This expression, alluding to having been lost in a forest, dates from Roman times; it was first recorded in English in 1792. The British usage is out of the wood.

See also: of, out, wood

out of the woods

mod. freed from a previous state of uncertainty or danger; no longer critical. As soon as her temperature is down, she’ll be out of the woods.

See also: of, out, wood

out of the woods

Informal

Free of a difficult or hazardous situation; in a position of safety or security.

See also: of, out, wood