out of work . out of work {adv. phr.} Having no income-producing job; unemployed. When too many people are out of work, it is a sign that the economy is in a recession. Categories: add yours {adv. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: O Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment