out-of-the-woods
/ˌaʊt əv ðə ˈwʊdz/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
If someone is out of the woods, they are no longer in danger or in a difficult situation. People often use it after an illness, a problem, or a crisis. It suggests improvement, but not always full recovery.
- The doctor said she is not out of the woods yet.
- We are finally out of the woods financially.
- The company is out of the woods after last year's losses.
Adinary Nuance
Use out of the woods when a problem is easing, but not completely finished. It is more specific than better or safe, because it suggests a past danger or crisis. Writers choose it when they want to show relief, but also caution. It is often used in health, business, and personal problems.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- qua cơn nguy
- Spanish
- fuera de peligro
- Chinese
- 脱离危险
- Japanese
- 危機を脱した
- Korean
- 위기를 벗어난
Etymology
This idiom comes from the idea of escaping a dangerous forest. It appeared in English by the 1800s and became common in everyday speech.
Common phrases
not out of the woods yetfinally out of the woodsget out of the woods
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'out of the woods' formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.
- Can I use 'out of the woods' for money problems?
- Yes. It is very common for finance, work, and business troubles.
- Does 'out of the woods' mean everything is perfect?
- No. It means the danger is mostly over, but more problems may still come.
- What is the difference between 'out of the woods' and 'safe'?
- 'Safe' means no danger now. 'Out of the woods' means the danger is easing after a hard time.