out of play

• Ausdruck dafür, dass etwas nicht mehr aktiv, nicht beteiligt oder nicht mehr verfügbar ist; im Sport bezeichnet er einen Ball oder Spieler, der sich außerhalb des Spielgeschehens befindet, und übertragen auch etwas, das gerade nicht relevant oder nicht im Einsatz ist.

A phrase meaning no longer active, involved, or available for consideration; often used in sports to describe a ball that has gone outside the playing area, or figuratively to indicate something is not currently relevant or in use.

1. Outside the playing areaB1formal

   In sports, referring to the ball or a player being outside the designated boundaries of the field or court, resulting in a stoppage of play.

   Aus

   • The referee blew the whistle because the ball went out of play.
   • The player stepped out of play, so the goal was disallowed.
   • When the ball is out of play, the game stops.

2. Not active or involvedB2informal

   In a general sense, being inactive, not participating, or not currently in use.

   Nicht im Spiel

   • After his injury, he was out of play for the rest of the season.
   • The old equipment is out of play and stored in the basement.
   • She felt out of play during the discussion because she didn't know the topic.