OUT-OF-THE-WAY Definition & Meaning

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out-of-the-way

[out-uhv-thuh-wey]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

remote from much-traveled, frequented, or populous regions; secluded.
an out-of-the-way inn up in the hills.
seldom encountered; unusual.
out-of-the-way information.
giving offense; improper.
an out-of-the-way remark.

out-of-the-way

adjective

distant from more populous areas
uncommon or unusual

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of out-of-the-way¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

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Idioms and Phrases

Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip . This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way , as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way . [Mid-1500s]

Taken care of, disposed of, as in I'm glad we got these details out of the way .

In a remote location, as in This restaurant is a little out of the way . [Mid-1300s]

Unusual, remarkable, as in It was out of the way for him to praise his staff . [Second half of 1500s]

Amiss, in error, improper, as in The security guard checked all the locks and saw nothing out of the way . [Early 1200s] Also see go out of one's way .

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Landlords preferred more conventional retailers in their malls, relegating dentists to out-of-the-way locations if they would lease space to them at all.

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Rural California, he said, was hit especially hard by Biden-era inflation, and residents there often pay more for groceries due to shipping costs to out-of-the-way places.

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But what made Hydra unique was not only its monopoly but also its distribution system, which revolved around stashing gear in out-of-the-way hiding spots like a coke-dealing Easter Bunny — or Puff-Puff.

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Many who were imprisoned there, and at similar camps scattered in out-of-the-way corners of the country, spent the rest of their lives trying to erase the memory.

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Glendale, Pasadena and other more out-of-the-way areas don’t offer the same draw as more desirable and conveniently located areas such as downtown L.A. and near Los Angeles International Airport.

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out of the running out of the window

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