Get something out of your system

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does Get something out of your system mean? In what situations is Get something out of your system used?

Meaning of "Get something out of your system"

Meaning

To get something out of one's system is to do something, generally emotional in nature, that allows a person to release, let go of, or work through any stress or anxiety they may have been feeling, or any difficult emotions or thoughts that have been lingering. This phrase is often used when suggesting to a person to do something in order to move through any difficult emotions or situations they may be in. The idea is that whatever is causing the person stress or difficulty can be released through doing this activity, allowing the person to feel some relief and freedom.

Etymology

To get something out of one's system is an idiom that originated in the mid-1900s. It is derived from the use of medications designed to clear the body of certain substances, toxins, or disease-causing organisms. In this context, the phrase is saying that a certain activity can help one to clear their mind of any emotional or mental toxins that may be preventing them from finding peace and clarity.

Usage

The phrase “get something out of your system” is used to encourage someone to do something that is likely to provide emotional or mental relief. It is often used when someone is feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope with their emotions, stress, or a difficult situation. In this context, it is often used to suggest that the person should take a break, do something fun, or engage in some kind of physical activity that allows them to blow off some steam and clear their head.

Example Sentences

• “I know you’re feeling stressed out right now. Maybe going for a run will help you get something out of your system.”
• “I know you’ve been through a lot lately. Maybe it would help if you tried painting or something creative to get something out of your system.”
• “I know things have been tough lately. Maybe you should take a few days off and do something fun to get something out of your system.”

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.