out of sorts: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of sorts’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "out sick" means that someone is absent from work or school due to being ill.
The idiom "out on one's feet" means to be extremely tired or exhausted, to the point of not being able to continue or function properly.
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 ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
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.
The idiom "out of proportion" means that something is exaggerated or not in the correct scale or proportion. It suggests that something is bigger, smaller, more important, or less important than it should be in relation to other things. This idiom is commonly used to describe situations, reactions, or emotions that are exaggerated or disproportionate.
The idiom "out of place" means something or someone not in the correct or suitable position, situation, or context.
The idiom "out of order" means that something is not functioning or working correctly. It can refer to a broken machine, a disrupted schedule, or improper behavior.
The idiom "out of one's mind" means to be mentally deranged or insane.
Unexplained Disarray
The idiom "out of sorts" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It refers to a state of being unwell, whether physically or emotionally. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is feeling irritable or not quite themselves. It can also be used to describe a situation or event that feels off or not quite right.
The exact origin of the phrase "out of sorts" is uncertain, but there are a couple of theories. One possibility is that it comes from the practice of sorting objects or items. If someone is "out of sorts," it could be interpreted as being disorganized or out of order. Another theory suggests that the phrase may have its roots in astrology. In astrology, the "sorts" referred to divisions of the zodiac signs. So if someone is "out" of their allocated sort or category, it could imply a state of imbalance.
Another related idiom, "out of one's element," shares a similar meaning with "out of sorts." When someone is "out of their element," they are in a situation or environment that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable for them. It's like a fish out of water. This idiom highlights the feeling of being out of place or not fitting in.
Similarly, the idiom "out of whack" is also related to "out of sorts." It is used to describe something that is not functioning properly or is in disarray. For example, if a machine is "out of whack," it means it's not working correctly. This idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or relationship that is not in balance or in harmony.
Today, "out of sorts" is widely used in both spoken and written English. It's a versatile idiom that can be applied to various situations. Whether expressing physical discomfort, emotional unease, or dissatisfaction with a particular state of affairs, "out of sorts" is a phrase that effectively conveys a sense of being unwell or unsettled.
The history of the idiom "out of sorts" is long, and its usage remains consistent in contemporary English. This idiom can be used to describe individuals, objects, or situations that are not in their usual state. Despite not having a definitive origin, the phrase has become deeply ingrained in the English language, allowing for its continued use and interpretation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "out of sorts" can be used in a sentence:
- She didn't sleep well last night and woke up feeling out of sorts.
- Ever since her dog passed away, Jane has been feeling out of sorts.
- John's performance in the game was below his usual standard, he seemed out of sorts.
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