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out of action
01
unable to operate normally for a limited time
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "out of action" and when to use it?
The idiom "out of action" originated in the early 20th century, drawing its roots from military terminology. It refers to the state of being unavailable or unable to function due to damage, injury, or temporary removal from service. Originally used to describe soldiers who were incapacitated or unable to participate in combat, the phrase has since expanded to include a broader range of contexts. It is now used to refer to situations where objects, systems, or individuals are rendered inactive, non-operational, or unable to perform their intended functions.
Example
Following the power outage, many homes were out of action without electricity for several hours.
After injuring his ankle during the game, the star player will be out of action for at least two weeks.
The computer system crashed, leaving the entire office out of action until the IT team resolves the issue.
The broken-down car on the side of the road was out of action, leaving the driver stranded.
