1
general::
Phrase(s): time out
1. to record one’s departure time. • Did you remember to time out when you left work? • I timed out at the regular time. 2. a call for officially stopping the clock in a game. • Time out! Wally is injured!, Phrase(s): time someone out
to record someone’s departure time. • Harry had to time everyone out because the time clock was broken. • I had to time out everyone.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
A short break from work or play; also, a punishment for misbehavior in young children in which they are briefly separated from the group. For example, People rush around so much these days that I think everyone should take some time out now and then, or We don't throw food, Brian; you need some time out to think about it. This expression comes from a number of sports in which it signifies an interruption in play where the officials stop the clock, for purposes of rest, making a substitution, or consultation. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.
American Heritage Idioms