THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Out of the question
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Not possible or not allowed in the situation.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Adding fifty more guests is out of the question because the hall is already full.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Adding fifty more guests is ________ because the hall is already full.
Show the answer
Out of the question — Not possible or not allowed in the situation.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Out of the question” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Not possible or not allowed in the situation.
Compare: Adding fifty more guests is out of the question because the hall is already full.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression for a firm limit or refusal. It is stronger than unlikely and may sound abrupt, so explain the reason when appropriate.
More examples in context
- Without the organiser’s permission, changing the published timetable is out of the question.
- An outdoor session is out of the question today because the courtyard is closed.
Usage note
Keep the: out of the question. The phrase is stronger than a long shot, which still allows a small possibility. If you mean only that something is unlikely, choose a less absolute expression.
A short conversation
A: Can we move the class to the closed courtyard?
B: That is out of the question today. It is not available.
A: Then we will use the booked room.
One more practice question
How possible is an option described as out of the question in the present situation?
A. It is not possible or not permitted.
B. It is a likely option that needs no further discussion.
Check your answer
A. The phrase rules the option out in that situation.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.