out of the way

out of the way  {adv. phr.}
1. Not where people usually go; difficult to reach.
When little Tommy comes to visit her, Aunt Sally puts her lamps and vases out of the way.
- Often used with hyphens before a noun.
Gold was found in an out-of-the-way village in the mountains, and soon a good road and airfield were built.
Jack and Fred found an old gun in an out-of-the-way corner of the empty house.
2. Not what is usual or proper; strange.
To leave before the guest of honor would be out of the way.
I'm sorry if I said something out of the way.
The night watchman looked around the building, but he saw nothing out of the way.
Compare: OUT OF PLACE.
Not able to stop or bother you.
Tommy wished the visitors were out of the way so that he could have the candy for himself.
Categories: bother {adv. phr.}