out from under

Idioms  

1. Free from difficulties, especially from a burden of debts or work. For example, They've been using credit cards for everything and don't know how they'll get out from under, or We have loads of mail to answer, but we'll soon get out from under. This idiom uses under in the sense of “in a position of subjection.” [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

While the method still needs further optimization, Ting said, "We may be able to determine whether someone has increased brain activity simply by assessing muscle activity after pulling a rug out from under you."

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

Indonesian rescuers have called off the search for victims of a landslide at the country's largest open landfill after pulling seven bodies out from under debris, an official said Tuesday.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr. climbed out from under an enormous pile of his nicknamesake — “Money” — a week ago to announce his return to the boxing ring for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in September.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

If you’re one of the more than 40 million Americans currently digging out from under the blizzard, the Moneyist has some words of advice on neighborliness.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

I wriggled my arms out from under the covers and set them on top.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff