out of this world: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘out of this world’ mean?

The idiom "out of this world" means something is extraordinary or exceptional, beyond what is ordinary or usual.

Idiom Explorer

Extraterrestrial Essence Unveiled

The idiom "out of the ordinary" is closely related to "out of this world." While "out of this world" is used to express extreme admiration or astonishment, "out of the ordinary" is used to describe something that is not typical or usual. It emphasizes that the subject being referred to deviates from what is expected or ordinary.

When we use the phrase "out of the ordinary," we are highlighting something that is beyond what is considered normal or average. It can be applied to various aspects of life, such as experiences, events, behavior, or even objects. For example, one might say "Her fashion choices are always out of the ordinary," to suggest that the person's style is unique and unconventional.

Similarly, someone might comment on a movie and say "The plot was out of the ordinary," indicating that the storyline was unexpected or different from what is usually seen. This usage of the idiom "out of the ordinary" helps us express surprise or fascination with something that breaks away from the usual patterns or norms.

In the context of our discussion on "out of this world," the idiom "out of the ordinary" can be used to further emphasize the exceptional nature of the experiences, skills, or talents being described. By combining these two idioms, we can convey a stronger sense of admiration and astonishment, highlighting that the subject being referred to is not only remarkable but also deviates significantly from what is considered normal or expected.

The idiom "outside world" is another phrase closely related to "out of this world." While "out of this world" focuses on the extraordinary or exceptional, "outside world" refers to the world beyond our immediate surroundings or the confined space we are currently in.

The phrase "outside world" is often used to illustrate a contrast between what is familiar to us and what lies beyond our everyday experience. It can represent the unknown, the unfamiliar, or even a sense of escape from the ordinary. For instance, one might say "I need a vacation to get away from the everyday stress and experience the outside world," indicating a desire to explore and encounter new things outside of their usual environment.

The space mission discovered an amazing extraterrestrial phenomenon.

When used in conjunction with "out of this world," the idiom "outside world" adds an additional layer of depth and expansiveness to our understanding. It suggests that the subject being described is so exceptional or extraordinary that it transcends the limitations of our immediate surroundings and takes us into a different realm, whether it be metaphorically or literally.

By incorporating these related idioms into our conversations and written expressions, we can enhance the impact and effectiveness of our communication. The combination of "out of the ordinary," "outside world," and "out of this world" allows us to convey a stronger sense of admiration, astonishment, and disbelief, while also highlighting the exceptional, the unknown, and the beyond.

The phrase "that ever walked on two legs" is another idiom that can be related to the concept of "out of this world." While "out of this world" captures the extraordinary and exceptional, "that ever walked on two legs" adds a specific emphasis on the human aspect and capabilities.

The phrase "that ever walked on two legs" is often used figuratively to describe someone or something that possesses remarkable qualities or abilities. It suggests that the subject being referred to is among the best or most remarkable in a particular domain or field.

For example, one might say "He is the most talented musician that ever walked on two legs" to convey a high level of admiration and recognition for the person's musical abilities. Similarly, in a sports context, one might say "She is the greatest athlete that ever walked on two legs," emphasizing her extraordinary prowess and achievements.

When used alongside "out of this world," the idiom "that ever walked on two legs" adds a human-centric aspect to our description. It highlights that the subject being referred to surpasses the abilities and achievements of ordinary individuals, becoming truly exceptional and extraordinary.

The combination of "out of this world," "out of the ordinary," "outside world," and "that ever walked on two legs" allows for a comprehensive and nuanced expression of extreme admiration, astonishment, and recognition. These idioms help us convey the exceptional, the unknown, and the remarkable, emphasizing the extraordinary quality of the subjects being described.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom *out of this world* can be used in sentences include:

  • The fireworks display on New Year's Eve was out of this world.
  • She prepared a meal that was out of this world, with flavors that I had never tasted before.
  • The movie about space exploration was visually stunning and truly out of this world.

The idiom *out of this world* is typically used to describe something that is extraordinary, exceptional, or beyond expectations. It is often used to emphasize the greatness or uniqueness of something, particularly in a positive context.

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