out

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | 579 words | Copyright

out out-Herod Herod outdo Herod in cruelty, evil, or extravagance. The reference is to the figure of Herod in the traditional mystery play, represented as a blustering tyrant, and the phrase is first used in Shakespeare's Hamlet in the scene in which Hamlet speaks to the Players and warns them against this kind of acting.
out of debt, out of danger proverbial saying, mid 17th century, meaning that someone in debt is vulnerable and at risk from others.
out of sight, out of mind proverbial saying, mid 13th century, meaning that someone who is not present is easily forgotten.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "out." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "out." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-out.html

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