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out of reach
/aʊt əv riːtʃ/
unable to be touched or accessed
The fruit on the highest branch was out of reach for the small child.
The child couldn't touch or grab the fruit because it was too high.
general
unable to be touched, accessed, or obtained
The rescue team found the survivors, but they were out of reach due to the unstable terrain.
The survivors were in a place that couldn't be safely accessed by the rescue team.
Her dreams of becoming a famous singer seemed out of reach.
She felt her goal of becoming a famous singer was unattainable.
This phrase can refer to physical distance or metaphorical impossibility.
Collocations
just out of reachvery close but still inaccessiblewithin reachable to be touched or accessed
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Metaphorical Use
This phrase can describe both physical distance (e.g., an object too high to grab) and metaphorical distance (e.g., a goal that seems impossible to achieve).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether 'out of reach' is being used literally (physical distance) or figuratively (metaphorical impossibility).
Word Origin
From the combination of 'out' (not inside) and 'reach' (to extend one's hand or arm to touch or grasp something).
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used to describe both physical and metaphorical situations where something cannot be accessed or achieved.
Word Breakdown
out
not inside or included
prefixof
indicating a relationship or belonging
prepositionreach
the act of extending one's hand or arm to touch or grasp something
verbEnglish Dictionary