Definition

1. Adverb Phrase:
   • Removed from a position of obstruction or interference: Placed so as not to block a path, hinder movement, or be in the immediate area of activity.
   • Dealt with or completed, especially something difficult or necessary: Referring to a task or obligation that has been finished and no longer requires attention.
   • In a remote or isolated location; not on a main or convenient route: Situated far from populated areas or common paths of travel.
   • Unusual, improper, or not typical: Deviating from what is normal, expected, or characteristic.

Usage Examples

• Adverb Phrase:
  • Please move your bicycle out of the way so people can pass. (Removed from obstruction)
  • Once we get this meeting out of the way, we can focus on the project. (Dealt with/completed)
  • The cabin is beautiful but very out of the way. (In a remote location)
  • His angry outburst was completely out of the way for someone usually so calm. (Unusual/not typical)

Advanced Usage

• "to be/get/keep someone or something out of the way": To remove, deal with, or position a person or thing so they are no longer an obstacle, a concern, or in a prominent place.

  • The CEO got his main competitor out of the way. (Made them no longer a threat)
  • Let's keep these confidential files out of the way of visitors. (Ensure they are not accessible or visible)

• "to go out of one's way": To make a special or inconvenient effort to do something.

  • Note: This is a distinct, common idiom related to the phrase. It means to exert extra effort, often beyond what is required or convenient.

Variants and Related Words

• Out-of-the-way (adjective): Used before a noun to describe something remote, secluded, or unusual.
  • We discovered an out-of-the-way bookstore in the old part of the city. (Remote/secluded)
  • It was an out-of-the-way remark that surprised everyone. (Unusual)

Synonyms

• Obstruction sense: Aside, clear, to one side.
• Completed sense: Finished, done, settled, resolved.
• Remote sense: Remote, isolated, off the beaten path, secluded.
• Unusual sense: Atypical, aberrant, odd, out of character.

Related Phrases

• Get something out of the way: To complete a task, especially an unpleasant or necessary one.

  • I want to get this paperwork out of the way before lunch.

• Put something out of the way: To place something in a location where it is not an obstruction; can also euphemistically mean to kill someone.

  • Please put those tools out of the way when you're done. (Store them safely)
  • The villain wanted to put the witness out of the way. (Murder them)

Related Idioms

• Go out of one's way: To make a special effort, often beyond what is normal or convenient.

  • She went out of her way to make us feel welcome.

• Out of harm's way: In a safe place, protected from danger.

  • We moved the children out of harm's way during the storm.

Adverb

1. so as not to obstruct or hinder
   • put that box out of the way so that no one trips on it
2. dealt with; disposed of
   • I'm so relieved that my midterm is out of the way
3. murdered
   • the mob boss wanted his rival out of the way
4. in a remote location or at a distance from the usual route
   • the restaurant is top-notch, but a little out of the way
5. improper; amiss;
6. extraordinary; unusual
   • such erratic behavior was out of the way for him