time out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘time out’ mean?
The idiom "time out" means to take a break or pause from a particular activity or situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn of events" refers to an unexpected change or shift in a situation or sequence of events.
The idiom "turn off" means to cause someone to feel disinterested or unattracted to something or someone.
The idiom "time thief" refers to a person or thing that wastes or takes away one's valuable time, often causing a delay or interruption in productivity or progress.
The idiom "time stand still" is used to describe a moment or situation that is so captivating or intense that it feels as if time has stopped or is moving very slowly.
The idiom "time out of mind" means a period of time so long ago that it is difficult to remember or imagine. It conveys a sense of antiquity or the distant past.
An idiom that refers to taking a break or having a period of rest from work or other responsibilities.
The idiom "time flies" means that time passes quickly without us realizing it.
The idiom "time alone will tell" means that only the passing of time will reveal the truth or outcome of a situation, and that it is impossible to predict or determine it in advance.
The idiom "tick over" means to continue functioning or operating at a steady pace or level, often implying a state of minimal activity without any major changes or significant progress.
Unveiling Temporal Pause
Time out is an idiom that is commonly used in English language. It originated in the early 20th century and is still widely used today. The idiom is most commonly associated with sports, particularly with games that have a designated time for breaks or pauses, such as basketball, football, or soccer. When a time out is called, the game is temporarily halted, allowing players to rest or strategize.
In addition to its sports-related meaning, time out is also used in everyday situations to indicate a break or pause. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in school or work settings, to signify a brief period of rest or reflection. This can range from a few minutes to a longer duration, depending on the situation.
The word "time" in this idiom refers to a specific period or moment, while "out" indicates a temporary cessation or interruption. When combined, the phrase conveys the idea of taking a break or pausing from an activity. The idiom is often used to indicate the need for a pause, whether it is to address a problem, regain focus, or simply take a breather.
Although the exact origin of the idiom is not known, it has been used in sports since at least the early 1900s. Its usage in other contexts began to emerge later on, becoming more common in the mid-20th century. Today, time out is a familiar and widely understood phrase in English-speaking countries.
Furthermore, time out has also gained an idiomatic usage in parenting. It refers to a disciplinary technique where a misbehaving child is temporarily removed from an activity or situation as a consequence for their actions. This usage of the idiom reflects its broader meaning of taking a break or interruption from an ongoing situation.
Overall, time out is a versatile idiom that can be applied to various contexts. Whether in sports, everyday life, or parenting, it serves as a reminder of the importance of taking breaks and pauses, whether for rest, reflection, or discipline. Its widespread usage and longevity highlight its practicality and relevance in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom time out can be used in a sentence:
- I need to take a time out from work to focus on my personal life.
- After misbehaving, the child was given a time out to reflect on their actions.
- My doctor suggested I take a time out from strenuous exercise to allow my injury to heal.
The idiom time out is commonly used to imply taking a break or pause from a specific activity or situation.
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