out of reach: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of reach’ mean?
*out of reach* means something is not physically accessible or unattainable. It refers to something that is too far away or difficult to obtain.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "reach for the sky" means to have high aspirations or set ambitious goals. It encourages individuals to aim for their full potential and to strive for success beyond what may seem attainable.
The idiom "over the hills and far away" means to be in a distant or unreachable place, often used to describe someone who is escaping or avoiding a situation.
The idiom "out of touch" means to be unaware or uninformed about a particular topic or the current situation. It implies a lack of understanding or familiarity with something or someone.
The idiom "out of this world" means something is extraordinary or exceptional, beyond what is ordinary or usual.
The idiom "out of the way" means to have completed or resolved something and have it no longer in the path or in the way of progress or focus.
"Out of the question" means that something is not possible or not allowed. It is typically used to emphasize that something cannot or should not be done.
The idiom "out of the picture" means to be excluded or no longer involved in a situation or plan.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "out of the loop" means someone is uninformed or lacks knowledge about a specific situation or topic.
Elusive Unattainability
Idiom: Out of reach
Out of reach is an English idiom that describes something as unattainable or impossible to obtain. It expresses frustration or disappointment when a desired goal or object is beyond one's grasp.
The origin and history of this idiom date back to the late 16th century when "reach" referred to stretching out one's hand to touch or grab something. The prefix "out of" emphasizes the inability to achieve the desired outcome.
From a literal perspective, the idiom can be associated with physical limitations. For example, a child reaching for a toy placed on a high shelf may find it out of reach. Similarly, in a deep pool, a person may find the bottom out of reach, making it impossible to touch or stand on.
However, the idiomatic usage of "out of reach" extends beyond physical objects and includes intangible aspirations. It commonly describes unattainable goals, dreams, or opportunities just beyond one's capabilities or circumstances.
The idiom "out of reach" is synonymous with other related idioms such as "out of the question" and "out of bounds." These idioms share the underlying theme of unattainability or impossibility.
"Out of the question" is used when something is completely impossible or prohibited. It's often used to dismiss an idea or request. For example, if someone suggests taking a vacation during a busy season at work, the response might be, "That's out of the question."
"Out of bounds" is commonly used in sports to describe a situation where a player goes beyond the designated playing area. In a figurative sense, it refers to going beyond acceptable limits or boundaries. For instance, if someone makes a comment that is inappropriate or offensive, it can be said, "That's way out of bounds."
The versatility of "out of reach" allows it to be applied in various contexts, from personal achievements to societal issues, reflecting the enduring relevance of this idiom in expressing the human experience of yearning for the unattainable.
Despite its simplicity, this idiom encapsulates the complexities of human desires and the determination required to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "out of reach" can be used in a sentence:
After jumping, the basketball was still out of reach for the shortest player on the team.
The bookshelf was mounted high on the wall, making it out of reach for the young children.
Despite numerous attempts, success seemed out of reach for the struggling entrepreneur.
More "Location" idioms
