The next time you see a sign that says “Out of Order” on a restroom door or vending machine, think twice—this phrase isn’t only about things that don’t work. In everyday English, out of order can describe behavior, systems, or even emotions that have gone off track. Let’s unpack the meaning, origin, and real-life examples of this versatile idiom.
What Does “Out of Order” Mean?
The idiom “out of order” has several meanings depending on the context:
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Not working or broken:
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Used for machines, equipment, or devices that are malfunctioning.
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Example: The elevator is out of order, so we’ll need to take the stairs.
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Acting improperly or breaking rules:
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Describes someone behaving rudely or speaking inappropriately.
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Example: His comments were completely out of order during the meeting.
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Not arranged correctly:
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Refers to things being mixed up, misplaced, or disorganized.
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Example: The files are out of order—you’ll need to sort them again.
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In short: “Out of order” means something isn’t working as it should—whether it’s a machine, a person, or a process.
Where Did “Out of Order” Come From?
The idiom dates back to the 1600s, when “order” referred to proper arrangement or obedience to rules. Early uses of “out of order” described anything that didn’t follow the expected pattern or hierarchy.
By the 1700s, during the rise of mechanical inventions, the phrase began referring to machines that malfunctioned or stopped working. Over time, people extended the expression to human behavior—when someone “steps out of line” or acts improperly.
Today, “out of order” is both literal and figurative, used to describe anything from broken elevators to out-of-line comments.
Using “Out of Order” in Sentences
Here are a few examples showing how flexible this idiom can be:
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The printer is out of order, so we’ll have to email the reports instead.
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The judge declared the lawyer’s remarks out of order during the trial.
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My emotions felt completely out of order after the shocking news.
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The chapters in this book are out of order, and it’s confusing to follow.
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That joke was totally out of order—you shouldn’t have said that.
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The coffee machine has been out of order all week, and everyone’s grumpy about it.
From broken gadgets to rude remarks, this idiom fits a surprising range of situations.
Idioms with a Similar Meaning
If you like using “out of order,” you’ll enjoy these expressions with a similar feel:
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On the fritz – When something mechanical isn’t working properly.
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Example: My phone’s on the fritz; the screen keeps freezing.*
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Off the rails – Describes behavior or situations that have gone wild or out of control.
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Example: The meeting went off the rails once tempers flared.*
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Not up to scratch – Means something doesn’t meet the expected standard.
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Example: The presentation wasn’t up to scratch, so we’ll revise it.*
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In hot water – Used when someone is in trouble for their words or actions.
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Example: He got in hot water after those rude comments to the boss.*
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My Take on the Idiom
I’ve used “out of order” plenty of times in class—especially when the projector decides to stop working mid-lesson! But I also like its figurative side. It reminds us that, just like machines, our words and actions need tuning and care to stay “in order.”
Wrapping It Up
The idiom “out of order” has traveled far from its early meanings of disorder and disobedience. Today, it’s used for everything from malfunctioning devices to inappropriate behavior. No matter the context, it signals that something’s not quite right.
Do you use “out of order” in your conversations? Share your favorite examples or funny moments in the comments below!