be out of practice

Are you using the idiom be out of practice but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the be out of practice idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "be out of practice"

Meaning

When someone is said to be 'out of practice', it means that they lack skill or experience in a particular activity, usually as a result of not having had the opportunity to perform that activity in a while. For example, someone might be said to be "out of practice" when it comes to playing a certain sport if they haven't played it in a while, or if someone hasn't worked in a particular field in a few years, they may be said to be "out of practice" in it.

Etymology

The phrase “out of practice” has been in use since the late 1800s. It is believed to have originated from the medical term “out of practice”, which was used to describe a doctor who had not been actively engaged in the medical profession for some time. Over time, the phrase has come to be used to describe any person who has not been keeping up with any type of activity.

Usage

The phrase “out of practice” is typically used as an adjective in a sentence, as in the following examples: “He has been out of practice for several years.”; “She is out of practice with her music.”; “He is out of practice in his job.” It can also be used as a verb in some cases, such as in the phrase “to be out of practice”. This phrase is often used when talking about physical or mental skills that require regular upkeep and maintenance in order to remain proficient.

Example Sentences

• "I haven't played tennis in years, so I'm really out of practice."
• "After taking a break from her job, she found herself out of practice."
• "She hasn't touched a piano in months, so she's out of practice."

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.