out of the ordinary

Idioms and Phrases

Unusual, uncommon, exceptional, as in The venison they served was certainly out of the ordinary . This expression sometimes, but not always, indicates that something is better than the usual. However, the negative version, nothing out of the ordinary , usually indicates that something is not special or outstanding, as in It was an interesting lecture, but nothing out of the ordinary .

Example Sentences

Josiah Dimick has a unique faculty of grasping a situation and summing it up in an out-of-the-ordinary way.

From Project Gutenberg

It is fully equipped for out-of-the-ordinary work, as well as for snap-shot and general amateur photography.

From Project Gutenberg

Out-of-the-ordinary surroundings in which to dine are always welcome to this type.

From Project Gutenberg

It was so utterly-out-of-the-ordinary to drive to the railway station, and have one's lunch cooked by the stationmaster.

From Project Gutenberg

In that volume we shall meet many of our old friends again, and learn the particulars of some out-of-the-ordinary happenings.

From Project Gutenberg