out of commission

Idioms and Phrases

Not in working order, unable to function. For example, The drawbridge is out of commission so we'll have to take the tunnel . This idiom originally referred to a ship that was laid up for repairs or held in reserve. Similarly, the antonym, in commission , referred to a ship armed and ready for action. The latter term is also used in more general contexts today, as in My car's back in commission now, so we can drive to the theater . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Supporters, including leaders of business and labor groups, said they believe building the tunnel would improve water-supply reliability in the face of climate change, sea-level rise and the risks of an earthquake that could put existing infrastructure out of commission.

From Los Angeles Times

The aicraft was taken out of commission, Spirit added.

From BBC

"It was very difficult to do anything when your right arm is out of commission, especially with a small baby, and being pregnant as well," she said.

From BBC

“His brain is completely out of commission,” conservative attorney George Conway posted on social media regarding Trump’s scattered responses.

From Salon

Some Israelis, who have long viewed Iran’s nuclear program as a potential future threat, see this as a perfect opportunity to knock it out of commission—or set it back a few years.

From Slate