get out of the way
1. To stop obstructing or impeding someone; to move out of someone's path. Just get out of the way when she's upset like this. I appreciate that you're trying to help, but you'd actually be more helpful if you got out of the way. Either get out of the way, or get hit by this cart!
2. To lose one's ability to do something. With all this rainy weather lately, I've gotten out of the way of going to the gym. I know you're nervous, but don't get out of the way of driving—it's a really valuable skill to have. No thanks, I got out of the way of endurance running long ago!
3. To do something undesirable or unpleasant in order to be finished with it. In this usage, a noun of pronoun is used between "get" and "out." I volunteered to go first so that I could get my presentation out of the way. I hate talking to people, so let me get this call out of the way. Dude, get the broccoli out of the way first and save the best—the fries—for last!
4. To move someone or something out of one's path. In this usage, a noun of pronoun is used between "get" and "out." Sophia, get the baby out of the way before I let the dog back in. Get these Legos out of the way, or else Mom will suck them up in the vacuum. Is anyone from the township going to get this fallen tree branch out of our way?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.