wood (redirected from out of the woods)

not be out of the wood/woods

to continue having difficulties although a situation has improved. Financially, things are looking distinctly more hopeful, but we're not out of the woods yet.

See also: Woods

can't see the wood for the trees (British, American & Australian, American & Australian)

if someone can't see the wood for the trees, they are unable to understand what is important in a situation because they are giving too much attention to details. After you've spent years researching a single topic you get to a point where you can't see the wood for the trees.

See also: can't, see, tree

dead wood

people in a group or organization who are not useful any more and who need to be removed. There's a lot of dead wood in the team which needs to be cleared out.

See also: dead

touch wood (British, American & Australian, American)

something that you say when you want your luck or a good situation to continue. It's been fine all week and, touch wood, it'll stay fine for the weekend. We haven't had any problems with the car so far, knock on wood.

See also: touch

---

knock (on) wood

I hope my good luck will continue. We haven't had any problems with the car so far, knock on wood. I'm expecting, knock wood, to be offered the job next week.

Usage notes: used when you think difficulties are likely

Etymology: possibly from the idea of knocking on a tree to ask the magical creatures inside for help

See also: knock

not see the wood for the trees

not see the forest for the trees

See also: see, tree