Meaning & Origin

The phrase likens danger or confusion to being lost in a forest. When you’re out of the woods, the worst is over, though challenges may remain.

Pronunciation Guide

Say it as OUT of the WOODS: /aʊt əv ðə wʊdz/.

Usage & Sentence Examples

• The patient is stable but not out of the woods.
• The startup isn’t out of the woods until cash flow is positive.
• After the storm, we were finally out of the woods.

Synonyms

• in the clear (nearly)
• past the worst
• over the hump
• safer now
• turning the corner