out of action

Related to out of action: put out of action

out of action

1. 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 has a broken leg, so he'll be out of action for months.
2. Of a machine, 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 dishwasher is out of action again.
See also: action, of, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

out of action

not operating temporarily; not functioning normally. The pitcher was out of action for a month because of an injury. I will be out of action for a while.
See also: action, of, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

out of ˈaction

not working or operating as normal because of illness, injury, damage, etc: Jane’s broken leg will put her out of action for a while. He can’t give you a lift today — his car’s out of action.
See also: action, of, out
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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