be out of action

be out of action

1. To be unable to do one's normal activities due to being ill or injured. I was out of action there for a while, but I'm feeling much better after my hospital stay. Our new defenseman does have a broken leg, so he'll be out of action for months.
2. Of a machine, to be not working at all, or malfunctioning in some way. Our washer is out of action, so I'm on my way to the laundromat. Mom called the repairman because our TV is out of action again.
See also: action, of, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • at the end of (one's) fingertips
  • be remembered for (something)
  • better (to be) safe than sorry
  • better safe than sorry
  • (one's) old man
  • (one's) old lady
  • be hoist by (one's) own petard
  • be hoist with one's own petard
References in periodicals archive
But the 30-year-old is now likely to be out of action until February at the earliest after a setback in his recovery.
Setback for Delaney