Out of reach means too far away to touch: the handle was just out of the boy's reach. It also means impossible to get, usually because of money or ability: a house near the beach remains out of reach for many workers, they simply can't afford one.
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out of reach / out of someone's reach / out of the reach of someone
- The cupboard handle was just out of the little boy's reach.
- A house near the beach remains out of reach for many local workers.
- She moved the glass vase out of reach before the kittens started playing.
What changed
First versionThe top shelf is out from my reach.
RevisionThe top shelf is out of my reach.
Reach is about distance from you, so from feels natural: out from my reach. But the phrase is built with of: out of my reach, out of reach of children. The same of appears in out of sight and out of order.
Within reach is the opposite: close or achievable, the title is within reach. Out of the question means it isn't even being considered. Out of reach only says it can't happen right now.
Your turn
The box is too high to touch: It is out ___ reach.
Show the answer
of — The phrase uses of: out of reach. From isn't part of it.
Describe something you want but can't have yet and say why, using out of reach.
A studio near the centre is out of reach for me until I find a full-time job.
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