be (not) out of the woods

be (not) out of the woods

To have endured a difficult, unpleasant, or uncertain situation. This phrase is used in the negative when a situation has improved but is not entirely resolved. For a while, it looked like our school was going to have to close, but thanks to an anonymous donor, we're out of the woods now. These blood test results are a good sign, but you're not out of the woods just yet.
See also: of, out, wood
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • if I was/were in your place
  • if I were in your place
  • a bitter pill to swallow
  • bitter pill to swallow
  • take (something) by the throat
  • reality of the situation
  • if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen
  • get down to the facts
  • if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
  • if you can't stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen