out of the ordinary: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of the ordinary’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
An idiom used to describe someone or something that is highly unusual or unique; as rare as a rare animal.
The idiom "outside the box" refers to thinking or approaching a problem in a creative or unconventional way, outside of normal or traditional boundaries. It encourages innovative and original thinking that goes beyond the usual limitations or constraints.
The idiom "out of this world" means something is extraordinary or exceptional, beyond what is ordinary or usual.
The idiom "out of the box" means to think in an unconventional or innovative way, beyond traditional boundaries or norms.
The idiom "out of the blue" means something unexpected or surprising that happens suddenly, without any warning or explanation.
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.
The idiom "out of sight" means something or someone that is not visible or cannot be seen. It can also refer to something that is truly amazing or impressive.
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.
Decoding Unconventional Norms
The idiom "out of the ordinary" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is often used to describe something that is not typical or usual. The phrase signifies a departure from the norm or what is expected. It implies that the subject being referred to is uncommon, unique, or extraordinary.
The word "out" in the idiom acts as a preposition indicating movement away from or separation from a specific location or condition. In this context, it suggests a deviation from the ordinary or normal state of affairs.
The word "ordinary" refers to something that is commonplace, customary, or usual. It implies a standard or typical situation that is not exceptional or extraordinary.
The idiom is often employed to describe experiences, events, actions, or objects that stand out due to their unusual nature, novelty, or peculiarity. It emphasizes the extraordinary or remarkable qualities of something and indicates that it differs from what is considered typical or expected.
One related idiom is "out of character". This expression is used to describe behavior or actions that are not consistent with a person's usual or expected personality. It suggests that the behavior being exhibited is unusual or unexpected, deviating from what is considered normal for that individual.
Another related idiom is "out of this world". This phrase is used to describe something that is exceptional, remarkable, or extraordinary. It implies that the subject being referred to is so remarkable that it transcends the boundaries of what is considered ordinary or typical.
Yet another related idiom is "out of one's box". This expression is used to describe a situation in which someone steps outside of their comfort zone or usual habits. It suggests that the person is trying something new or different, exploring unfamiliar territory, or taking a risk.
Overall, the idiom "out of the ordinary" is a versatile expression that can be applied to various contexts. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, including events, occurrences, experiences, behaviors, objects, or even individuals. Its usage reflects a desire to convey the exceptional or remarkable nature of something, standing out from the usual or mundane.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom out of the ordinary can be used in a sentence:
- Her outfit was out of the ordinary for a formal event; she wore a neon-colored dress with combat boots.
- The magician's tricks were out of the ordinary; he made entire buildings disappear in front of the audience.
- The family decided to celebrate Thanksgiving out of the ordinary by going on a vacation instead of having a traditional dinner.
More "Expression" idioms
