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What does “out of the question” mean?
The phrase “out of the question” is a commonly used idiom that means “impossible,” “not an option,” or “not worth considering.” It is often used to express strong disagreement or refusal, indicating that something cannot be done or accomplished. The phrase can be used in both formal and casual contexts, and it is widely recognized across different English-speaking countries.
Examples of Usage
Here are some examples of how “out of the question” can be used in everyday conversations:
- A: “Can we reschedule the meeting for tomorrow?” B: “I’m afraid that’s out of the question. We have to finalize the report by today.”
- A: “Hey, do you want to go bungee jumping this weekend?” B: “No way! That’s completely out of the question. I’m not risking my life like that.”
- A: “Could you lend me $100 until next week?” B: “Sorry, that’s out of the question. I don’t have any spare money at the moment.”
- A: “I think we should sell our house and move to Hawaii.” B: “That’s out of the question. We can’t afford to buy a new house right now.”
- A: “Do you mind if I bring my dog to the party?” B: “I’m afraid that’s out of the question. Some of the guests might be allergic to pets.”
10 Examples of “out of the question“
To further illustrate the usage of “out of the question,” here are ten more examples:
- Going on vacation during a pandemic is out of the question.
- Asking for a raise after being late for work several times is out of the question.
- Wearing shorts in a business meeting is out of the question.
- Arriving late to a job interview is out of the question.
- Drinking and driving is out of the question.
- Skipping a final exam is out of the question.
- Plagiarizing a research paper is out of the question.
- Failing a drug test is out of the question for professional athletes.
- Using a fake ID to buy alcohol is out of the question.
- Cheating on a partner is out of the question.
“out of the question” Synonym
There are several synonyms that can be used in place of “out of the question,” depending on the context and tone of the conversation. Some of these include:
- Impossible
- Beyond consideration
- Not feasible
- Unattainable
- Inconceivable
- Unthinkable
While these words may have slightly different meanings, they all convey a sense of negativity or impossibility in relation to a specific situation or request.
In conclusion, “out of the question” is a popular idiom that is often used to express strong disagreement or refusal in everyday conversations. The phrase is widely recognized across the English-speaking world, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. By understanding the meaning and usage of this idiom, you can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings in your daily interactions.