grow out of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘grow out of’ mean?
The idiom grow out of means to develop or change over time, often referring to the process of outgrowing an old habit, interest, or phase of life.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "grow up" means to mature or become an adult, both physically and emotionally. It implies the development of responsible behavior and leaving behind childish characteristics and attitudes.
The idiom "grow on" means to begin to like or enjoy something or someone gradually over time.
The idiom "grow cold" means to lose interest, enthusiasm, or affection for something or someone over time.
Grow apart means when two people or groups slowly lose their connection or drift away from each other emotionally or in terms of shared interests or goals.
The idiom "go from strength to strength" means to continuously improve and become more successful over time. It describes a positive progression or development, typically in one's personal or professional life.
The idiom "get over" means to recover from or accept something traumatic or difficult. It implies moving on and finding a resolution, often referring to emotional healing or overcoming a challenge.
The idiom "get it out of my system" means to do something to satisfy a strong desire or urge, typically to relieve oneself from the obsession or compulsion of a particular thought, feeling, or behavior.
The idiom "dig out of a hole" means to extricate oneself from a difficult or challenging situation through effort and determination.
The idiom "die out" means to cease to exist or become extinct. It is often used to describe the decline or disappearance of a species, a language, or a cultural tradition.
Unexpected Maturation
The idiom *grow out of* is a phrasal verb that is widely used in the English language. It consists of the verb *grow* and the preposition *out of*. This idiom is often used to describe the process of outgrowing or no longer fitting into a particular stage, behavior, or interest. It can be traced back to the literal meaning of the verb *grow*, which refers to the physical process of becoming larger or more developed. The addition of *out of* emphasizes the idea of moving beyond or surpassing a previous state or condition.
One common usage of the idiom *grow out of* is in relation to children and their development. People often say that children have grown out of their clothes or toys, indicating that they no longer fit into them. This usage highlights the idea of physical growth and the need for new items that accommodate their changing size.
The idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe personal growth or maturity. Individuals may say that they have grown out of a bad habit or childish behavior as they have become more mature. This usage emphasizes the idea of personal development and the ability to overcome negative tendencies or immaturity.
Furthermore, the idiom *grow out of* can be used in the context of interests or preferences. For example, someone may say that they have grown out of a particular genre of music or no longer find it appealing. This usage suggests that their tastes and preferences have changed over time as they have explored different options.
In addition, the idiom *grow out of* can also be used in a negative sense, indicating a loss or decline. For instance, someone may say that a friendship has grown out of or that a relationship has ended. This usage suggests that the connection or bond that once existed has deteriorated or faded away.
To further understand the nuances of the idiom *grow out of*, it is helpful to explore related idioms:
1. *grow on*: This idiom is used to describe something or someone that becomes more enjoyable or appealing over time. It is similar to the idea of something growing on you, as you begin to appreciate it more or develop a liking for it. For example, a particular song might not catch your attention at first, but after hearing it a few times, it may start to grow on you.
2. *grow up*: This idiom is commonly used to describe the process of maturing or becoming an adult. It can refer to physical, emotional, and mental growth. For example, someone might say, "It's time to grow up and take responsibility for your actions," emphasizing the need for maturity and taking on adult responsibilities.
3. *blossom out*: This idiom is used to describe someone or something that has developed, flourished, or achieved success in a beautiful or impressive way. It is often used metaphorically to describe personal growth or the fulfillment of potential. For instance, a talented artist may blossom out and gain recognition for their work, showcasing their talent and achieving success.
Overall, the idiom *grow out of* captures the idea of change, development, and moving beyond a previous state or condition. It can be used in various contexts, from physical growth in children to personal growth in individuals. Additionally, it can be used to describe the change in interests, preferences, and relationships. The related idioms *grow on*, *grow up*, and *blossom out* further contribute to the understanding of this versatile expression. However, the true depth and meaning of these idioms can only be fully grasped through their usage in real-life situations and individual experiences.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom grow out of can be used in a sentence:
- She grew out of her fear of spiders as she got older.
- He grew out of his interest in video games and started focusing more on sports.
- The child grew out of his tantrums as he learned to communicate his needs better.
More "Origin" idioms
