out of the question

The expression out of the question is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the out of the question idiom.

Meaning of "out of the question"

Meaning

The phrase 'out of the question' is an idiom that is used to indicate that something is not a possibility, or that it is not allowed or permitted. It conveys a sense of finality, or that the answer is a definite 'no'. It is often used as a polite way of refusing a request or suggestion.

Etymology

The phrase 'out of the question' is thought to have originated in the late 17th century. It is derived from the Middle French phrase 'hors de question', which means 'beyond dispute'. The phrase was first used in English in the early 18th century and has been in popular use ever since.

Usage

The phrase 'out of the question' is most commonly used as a response to a question or suggestion. It is usually used to politely and firmly reject something, or to indicate that something is not a possibility. It can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For example, if someone were to suggest that they could fly a plane, the response could be 'That's out of the question'.

Example Sentences

• I was hoping you could lend me some money, but I guess that's out of the question.
• Do you think I could get the job done by tomorrow? - That's out of the question; you'll need more time than that.
• You want me to move to the other side of the country? That's out of the question!

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.