The phrase “out of action” has been used since the late 19th century. Its origin is believed to have been derived from military terminology and was used to describe soldiers who were unable to fight or perform their duties due to injury or illness. The phrase is still commonly used today in military settings as well as in everyday life.
Take a look at these examples:
- He was out of action for two weeks after suffering a sprained ankle.
- Don't worry about her, she's been out of action since last week.
- The printer has been out of action since the power outage.
- The team was really weakened when their star player was out of action with an injury.
- After working 16 hours straight, he was finally out of action.
- The computer system has been out of action for over a month now.
- After a long day at work, she was totally out of action.
- I think the car is out of action, it just won't start.
- This project is out of action until we have the right resources.
- He's been out of action since the accident, so don't expect too much from him.
The idiom “out of action” has multiple meanings and contexts. It can be used in a literal sense to describe someone or something that is incapacitated due to injury or illness. The phrase can also be used in a figurative sense to describe someone who is not performing as well as they should be, or who is not able to effectively carry out their duties. It can also be used to describe an object, machine, or system that is not functioning properly.