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.
Compare: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
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.
3. or out of one's way
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms