(not) out of the woods (yet)
Meaning(s)
1. something no longer presents an immediate difficulty or danger, but is not fully resolved either
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
he/she is doing better, but they are still not out of the woods
Analysis
If you are 'out of the woods' you are 'out of danger' or out of a difficult or dangerous situation. If someone says 'we are not out of the woods yet' it means that you are not out of danger or difficulty that there is still a risk something could happen or go wrong. This phrase is usually used in the negative and often when referring to someone's precarious health or financial situation.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The surgery went well, but she's still not out of the woods. The next few days will be crucial.
- After years of austerity, the nation's economy is finally out of the woods. Things are starting to look up!
- We got approved for the loan but we're not out of the woods yet. We still have some paperwork to complete.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- It's great that we made a profit in the last quarter, but we're not out of the woods yet. There is still a significant amount of debt to pay off.
- It looks like we are out of the woods. Profits have increased substantially and revenue is way up.
- He is out of the woods after his surgery, but it will be a month or two before he can return to work.