Jump To:

• out-of-the-way
  out-of-the-way

  adjective

  remote from much-traveled, frequented, or populous regions; secluded.
• out of the way
  out of the way

  Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip . This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way , as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way . [Mid-1500s]

out-of-the-way

American  

[aut-uhv-thuh-way] / ˈaʊt əv ðəˌweɪ /

adjective

1. remote from much-traveled, frequented, or populous regions; secluded.

   an out-of-the-way inn up in the hills.

2. seldom encountered; unusual.

   out-of-the-way information.

3. giving offense; improper.

   an out-of-the-way remark.

---

out-of-the-way British  

adjective

1. distant from more populous areas

2. uncommon or unusual

---

out of the way Idioms  

1. Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip . This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way , as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way . [Mid-1500s]

2. Taken care of, disposed of, as in I'm glad we got these details out of the way .

3. In a remote location, as in This restaurant is a little out of the way . [Mid-1300s]

4. Unusual, remarkable, as in It was out of the way for him to praise his staff . [Second half of 1500s]

5. Amiss, in error, improper, as in The security guard checked all the locks and saw nothing out of the way . [Early 1200s] Also see go out of one's way .

---

Etymology

Origin of out-of-the-way

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

out-of-the-way out of the way

But Mr. Morby does just that, with a track that sets the scene for big feelings unfolding in out-of-the-way places.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026

Most of Sheridan’s hit streak is built around the strivings of rough men willing to do whatever it takes to rule out-of-the-way corners of the country.

From Salon ● Nov. 16, 2025

Many who were imprisoned there, and at similar camps scattered in out-of-the-way corners of the country, spent the rest of their lives trying to erase the memory.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2024

Setting aside some out-of-the-way spaces for ground-nesting bees allows everyone to coexist more happily.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 1, 2024

Halfway across the world, in the smallest, most out-of-the-way town imaginable, there was her dad.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Successful Emmy hosts also understand that the mission is to get out of the way, not make the night about themselves.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

His advice was to act on them, get it out of the way, to turn over as few problems as possible to the next person.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026

Cats might hop onto counters and knock over dishes, so keep them out of the way, Dresser said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

He goes quickly, takes people out of the way.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

I think she was relieved to get me out of the way for a while.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman