out of shape: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of shape’ mean?
When someone is "out of shape," it means they are not physically fit or healthy. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is not in good physical condition due to lack of exercise or poor lifestyle choices.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "under the weather" is used to describe someone who is not feeling well or is sick.
An idiom used to describe someone who is physically or mentally weak or ill. It can also refer to a country or system that is struggling or in decline.
When someone is told to shape up or ship out, it means they have to improve their behavior or performance or else leave a particular situation or organization.
The idiom *shape up* means to improve one's behavior, performance, or abilities, typically in response to criticism or expectations.
The idiom "out sick" means that someone is absent from work or school due to being ill.
The idiom "out of whack" means something is not operating or functioning in the correct or expected way. It implies a state of imbalance or disorder. It is often used to describe situations or things that are not working properly or are out of order.
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 the loop" means someone is uninformed or lacks knowledge about a specific situation or topic.
The idiom "out of sorts" means not feeling one's usual self, not in a good mood, or not in a good physical or mental condition.
*out of reach* means something is not physically accessible or unattainable. It refers to something that is too far away or difficult to obtain.
The True Connotation
One of the most commonly used idioms in the English language is "out of shape." This phrase refers to someone who is physically unfit or not in good condition. It is often used to describe someone who is not in the best physical condition due to a lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle.
The term "shape" has long been used to signify the physical condition of a person. It dates back to at least the 15th century, where it was used in reference to both physical and mental condition. In this context, "shape" referred to the state, form, or condition of something.
The use of "out of shape" as an idiom, specifically referring to physical fitness, seems to have emerged in the 20th century. Though the exact origin is uncertain, it gained popularity in American English and became widely used in everyday conversation.
In addition to its literal meaning, "out of shape" can also be used figuratively to describe something that is not functioning properly or is not in its optimal state. For example, one might say that a car is "out of shape" if it is having mechanical problems.
Furthermore, the idiom "out of shape" is often used colloquially to describe the feeling of being tired or out of breath after physical exertion, even if the person is generally in good physical condition. This usage reflects the idiom's ability to convey a sense of physical discomfort or unease.
Another idiom related to being physically unfit or in poor condition is "in shape." This phrase is used to describe someone who is physically fit and in good condition. Unlike "out of shape," which implies a lack of fitness, "in shape" suggests a high level of physical fitness and overall good health.
The idiom "in shape" can also be used figuratively to describe something that is functioning well or is in optimal condition. For example, one might say that a business is "in shape" if it is thriving and generating significant profits.
Another related idiom is "out of sorts," which is used to describe someone who is not feeling well or is in a bad mood. This idiom can be used in various contexts to convey a general sense of unease or discomfort. It is often used to describe someone who is experiencing physical or emotional distress.
The idiom "out of sorts" can also be used to describe something that is not working properly or is not in its usual state. For example, one might say that a computer is "out of sorts" if it is not functioning correctly or is experiencing technical issues.
Yet another idiom that is related to being physically unfit or in poor condition is "ill health." This phrase is used to describe someone who is in a state of poor health or is experiencing an illness. It is often used to describe someone who is physically unwell or is recovering from an illness.
The idiom "ill health" can also be used to describe something that is in a state of decline or deterioration. For example, one might say that a company is in a state of "ill health" if it is experiencing financial difficulties or is struggling to stay afloat.
Overall, the idiom "out of shape" has a direct meaning that refers to someone who is physically unfit or not in good condition. It originated from the term "shape," which has been used historically to describe the condition of something. While the exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, it gained popularity in American English and is commonly used today. In addition to its literal meaning, "out of shape" can be used figuratively to describe something that is not functioning properly. It is a versatile idiom that has become a staple in everyday English conversation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *out of shape* can be used in a sentence:
- "After not exercising for months, she was completely out of shape."
- "He struggled to run a mile because he was out of shape."
- "The long hours of sitting at a desk had left him out of shape."
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