Out of the way

phrasal adjective

Placed or moved aside, or off the path.

Please move your bike out of the way. People are trying to walk on the sidewalk.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - Placed or moved aside, or off the path

Often appears as...

  • move something out of the way
  • step out of the way
adverb

In a position that prevents someone or something from being obstructed.

The tree fell in the road, but it’s been moved out of the way now.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - In a position that prevents someone or something from being obstructed

Often appears as...

  • move out of the way
  • push out of the way
idiom

So that one is no longer obstructing or busy.

Now that my project is out of the way, I can relax a bit.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - So that one is no longer obstructing or busy

Often appears as...

  • get something out of the way
  • have something out of the way

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiom

Done or dealt with.

I'm going to get these exercises out of the way before lunch.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - Done or dealt with

Often appears as...

  • get something out of the way
  • put something out of the way

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adjective

Inconveniently placed or situated.

The village is a bit out of the way so it doesn't get many visitors.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - Inconveniently placed or situated

Often appears as...

  • located out of the way
  • situated out of the way

Usage tips

Disapproving

phrasal adjective

Placed or moved aside, or off the path.

Please move your bike out of the way. People are trying to walk on the sidewalk.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - Placed or moved aside, or off the path

Often appears as...

  • move something out of the way
  • step out of the way
adverb

In a position that prevents someone or something from being obstructed.

The tree fell in the road, but it’s been moved out of the way now.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - In a position that prevents someone or something from being obstructed

Often appears as...

  • move out of the way
  • push out of the way
idiom

So that one is no longer obstructing or busy.

Now that my project is out of the way, I can relax a bit.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - So that one is no longer obstructing or busy

Often appears as...

  • get something out of the way
  • have something out of the way

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiom

Done or dealt with.

I'm going to get these exercises out of the way before lunch.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - Done or dealt with

Often appears as...

  • get something out of the way
  • put something out of the way

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adjective

Inconveniently placed or situated.

The village is a bit out of the way so it doesn't get many visitors.
Visual representation of "out of the way" - Inconveniently placed or situated

Often appears as...

  • located out of the way
  • situated out of the way

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 5
Visual representation of "out of the way"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Movement

Refers to physically moving objects or oneself to avoid blocking a path or space.

Illustration for Physical Movement
Please put your bag out of the way; someone might trip over it.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Spatial Position

Describes an item or a person being aside from the main area of activity or attention.

Illustration for Spatial Position
Move the chair out of the way so we can play a game on the floor.
Visual representation of the word "Out of the way"

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