out from under

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]

Example Sentences

This just has to do with optimizing shareholder benefits and trying to get out from under threats from the administration.

From Slate

Just as the Chargers wanted to put their disappointing playoff performance behind them, the Chiefs wanted to get out from under the dark cloud of a blowout Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia.

From Los Angeles Times

A superstar music mogul, King is aware that his company, Stackin’ Hits, is about to be sold out from under him.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s only one thing more shocking than your favorite TV show pulling the rug out from under you with a plot twist you didn’t see coming: Not getting spoiled about it beforehand.

From Los Angeles Times

Carter’s hometown of Compton is still crawling out from under its reputation as a national epicenter for gang violence.

From Los Angeles Times