be out of the woods
Meaning
To be past the worst part of a danger or difficulty; no longer at serious risk, though recovery may not be fully complete.
Origin
Originally a literal idea: being lost in woods was dangerous; once you got out, you were safer. The figurative sense (past danger) has been used in English since at least the 18th–19th centuries.
Notes
Often used cautiously, especially in the negative: “not out of the woods yet.” Implies the worst is likely past, but some risk remains; common in health, business, and crises.
Examples
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The patient is improving, but she’s not out of the woods yet.
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We fixed the leak, but we won’t be out of the woods until the next storm passes.
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After months of layoffs, the company is finally out of the woods financially.
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I thought the project was out of the woods, but a new bug showed up right before launch.
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He’s out of the woods now that the test results came back normal.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually with forms of “be” (am/is/are/was/were) + “out of the woods.” Very common as “not out of the woods yet.” Can take time clauses: “We’re not out of the woods until…”.
Synonyms
- be out of danger
- be over the worst
- be in the clear
- be past the worst
Antonyms
- be in danger
- be in trouble
- be in the thick of it
- be in the woods