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

Then she mounts a free show in Central Park, something he can’t buy out from under her, that breaks attendance records.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

While the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire had that feeling of a rug being pulled out from under them, Ivan Toney represents one of manager Thomas Tuchel's big reveals.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Guests began to peek out from under their tables and warily stand up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Anything that brings the data-center buildout to a halt could kick the props out from under the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Not far away, at the upper end of an old slough, the cool, clear water of a spring gushed out from under the roots of a huge gum tree.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls