out of frame: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of frame’ mean?
The idiom "out of frame" means that something or someone is not included or considered in a particular situation or context. It suggests that the subject is not within the scope or boundaries of what is being discussed or depicted.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take out of context" means to misunderstand or misinterpret something by not considering the surrounding information or the original meaning. It refers to the act of separating certain words or phrases from their original context, leading to a distorted understanding of the overall message or intention.
The idiom "out of one's mind" means to be mentally deranged or insane.
The idiom "out of one's element" means to be in a situation or place where one feels uncomfortable or is not able to perform as well as usual.
When someone is "out of their depth," it means they are in a situation that is too difficult or complex for them to handle or understand.
Out of one's depth is an idiomatic expression that has its roots in nautical terminology. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a person is overwhelmed or lacking the necessary expertise or knowledge to deal with a task or challenge. This idiom implies a sense of being out of one's comfort zone.
The idiom "out of one's box" means to be acting in an unconventional or unexpected way, deviating from one's usual behavior or habits.
Out of one's box is an idiom used to describe someone who is thinking or behaving in a way that is unexpected or outside of their usual character or comfort zone. It suggests a departure from the norm and implies a willingness to explore new ideas or approaches.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "out of nowhere" is a commonly used phrase in English language, primarily in the United States. It is often used to describe unexpected events or occurrences that seem to have no clear or logical origin.
The idiom "out of line" means to behave inappropriately or to act in a way that is not acceptable or within the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior.
The idiom "out of kilter" means something is not working or functioning correctly, being out of balance or alignment.
The idiom "out of house and home" means to be completely destitute, having lost everything one possesses, especially due to financial hardships or being forced to leave one's home.
The idiom "out of date" means something or someone that is no longer current, modern, or in fashion.
The Hidden Unseen
The idiom "out of frame" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It refers to something or someone being outside the boundaries or scope of a particular situation, typically in a visual or metaphorical sense. While there are several meanings and uses for this idiom, they all relate to something or someone being excluded or not included in a particular context.
One of the primary uses of the idiom "out of frame" is in the field of photography or cinematography. In this context, it refers to elements that are intentionally kept outside the frame of a shot or scene. This can be done for various reasons, such as creating suspense, emphasizing a particular subject, or maintaining a certain aesthetic. By excluding certain elements from the frame, the photographer or filmmaker can direct the viewer's attention to what is within the frame, shaping the narrative or message of the image or scene.
Another usage of the phrase "out of frame" extends beyond the literal visual context. It is often employed to describe situations where someone or something is not considered or taken into account. In a discussion or decision-making process, if someone's opinion or input is not acknowledged, they can be said to be "out of frame." Similarly, if a particular factor or aspect is not taken into consideration when analyzing a situation, it can be deemed as being "out of frame."
The idiom "out of bounds" is related to "out of frame." It conveys a sense of being outside the acceptable or permissible limits. It suggests a violation of rules or boundaries, similar to how something or someone can be excluded from the frame in photography or a particular context. When an action is deemed "out of bounds," it is considered inappropriate or beyond the scope of what is deemed acceptable.
The idiom "out of sight, out of mind" is also related to "out of frame." It implies that when something or someone is no longer visible or present in our immediate surroundings, they are easily forgotten or not taken into consideration. Just as elements outside the frame of a shot are not immediately visible to the viewer, things that are "out of sight" can be overlooked or disregarded. This idiom emphasizes the importance of visibility and presence in our perception and memory of things.
The phrase "out of frame" can also be used metaphorically to express a sense of being disconnected or outside the mainstream. It suggests a position or perspective that is not aligned with the dominant or accepted viewpoint. It implies a degree of separation or exclusion from the prevailing norms or expectations, and may connote a sense of being marginalized or overlooked.
The idiomatic expression "out of frame" has multiple meanings and applications, all of which revolve around the idea of exclusion or being outside the boundaries or scope of a particular context. From its roots in photography and cinematography to its metaphorical usage, this phrase captures the essence of being left out or not considered. Like elements intentionally omitted from a visual frame, the idiom "out of frame" reflects the enduring possibilities and complexities within the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *out of frame* can be used in a sentence:
- When watching a movie, sometimes the action is intentionally kept out of frame to create suspense.
- The photographer accidentally captured a random object out of frame while taking a group photo.
- In the video editing process, it is possible to crop or zoom in to hide elements that are out of frame.