Out of pocket: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Out of pocket” mean?

"Out of pocket" means having spent or lost money, especially unexpectedly or unwillingly.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I had to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

Example

The company refused to cover the expenses, so I was left out of pocket.

Example

The medical bills left me completely out of pocket

Is “Out of pocket” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Out of pocket” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Out of pocket” effectively in context?

You can use "Out of pocket" to describe a situation where someone has spent or lost money, especially unexpectedly or unwillingly. It emphasizes the financial burden or inconvenience caused by the expense. For example, if a friend asks about your recent car repairs, you might say, 'I had to pay for the repairs out of pocket.'

• 1. Personal Finance

  After the unexpected medical expenses, she was left out of pocket and had to dip into her savings.

• 2. Insurance

  The company refused to cover the damages, so he was out of pocket for the entire repair cost.

• 3. Unexpected Expenses

  The car breakdown left him completely out of pocket as he had to pay for the repairs and a rental car.

Similar phrases to “Out of pocket”:

In the red

To be in debt or have negative financial balance

Example

After the holiday shopping, her bank account was in the red.

Broke

To have no money or be financially destitute

Example

After losing his job, he was completely broke.

Down the drain

To be wasted or lost, especially money or effort

Example

All their hard work went down the drain when the project was canceled.

Out of pocket expenses

Expenses that are not covered or reimbursed by an insurance or other sources

Example

The conference registration fee and travel expenses were out of pocket expenses.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Out of pocket” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Out of pocket" is unknown.

Is “Out of pocket” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Out of pocket" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where they have to spend or lose money unexpectedly or unwillingly.

What tone does “Out of pocket” have?

"Out of pocket" conveys a tone of financial burden or inconvenience. It suggests that the expense has caused a negative impact on one's finances.

Can “Out of pocket” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Out of pocket" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely understood expression that describes a common financial situation. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as business meetings or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She had to pay for the repairs out of pocket.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "out of pocket"' to imply that you have spent money unexpectedly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• spent money
• lost money
• paid from one's own pocket
• financially burdened

Antonyms

• reimbursed
• covered
• paid for
• financially supported