The Village Idiom

out of shape

When someone is "out of shape," it means they are not physically fit or healthy. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is not in good physical condition due to lack of exercise or poor lifestyle choices.

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In a sentence

  • After not exercising for months, she was completely out of shape.
  • He struggled to run a mile because he was out of shape.
  • The long hours of sitting at a desk had left him out of shape.

Where it comes from and how it is used

One of the most commonly used idioms in the English language is "out of shape." This phrase refers to someone who is physically unfit or not in good condition. It is often used to describe someone who is not in the best physical condition due to a lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle.

The term "shape" has long been used to signify the physical condition of a person. It dates back to at least the 15th century, where it was used in reference to both physical and mental condition. In this context, "shape" referred to the state, form, or condition of something.

The use of "out of shape" as an idiom, specifically referring to physical fitness, seems to have emerged in the 20th century. Though the exact origin is uncertain, it gained popularity in American English and became widely used in everyday conversation.

In addition to its literal meaning, "out of shape" can also be used figuratively to describe something that is not functioning properly or is not in its optimal state. For example, one might say that a car is "out of shape" if it is having mechanical problems.

Another idiom related to being physically unfit or in poor condition is "in shape." This phrase is used to describe someone who is physically fit and in good condition. Unlike "out of shape," which implies a lack of fitness, "in shape" suggests a high level of physical fitness and overall good health.

The idiom "in shape" can also be used figuratively to describe something that is functioning well or is in optimal condition. For example, one might say that a business is "in shape" if it is thriving and generating significant profits.

The idiom "out of sorts" can also be used to describe something that is not working properly or is not in its usual state. For example, one might say that a computer is "out of sorts" if it is not functioning correctly or is experiencing technical issues.

Yet another idiom that is related to being physically unfit or in poor condition is "ill health." This phrase is used to describe someone who is in a state of poor health or is experiencing an illness. It is often used to describe someone who is physically unwell or is recovering from an illness.

The idiom "ill health" can also be used to describe something that is in a state of decline or deterioration. For example, one might say that a company is in a state of "ill health" if it is experiencing financial difficulties or is struggling to stay afloat.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.