not able to work or be active.

That accident forced my boss out of action for almost a month.

Usage notes: also said of machines or systems:

The explosion put the ship out of action.

• cough up
• cough up something
• could do something in sleep
• could do something in their sleep
• could do something standing on head
• could do something standing on your head
• could do something with eyes closed
• could do something with eyes shut
• could do something with one arm tied behind back
• could do something with one arm tied behind their back
• could do something with one hand tied behind back
• could do something with one hand tied behind their back
• could do something with their eyes closed
• could do something with their eyes shut
• could do with
• could do with one arm tied behind back
• could do with one arm tied behind their back
• could do with one hand tied behind back
• could do with one hand tied behind their back
• could do with something
• could hear a pin drop
• could in sleep
• could in their sleep
• couldn't [act/argue/fight] way out of a paper bag
• couldn't [act/argue/fight] your way out of a paper bag