The common phrase "is out of the woods" means that someone has overcome a difficult situation or task. In terms of phonetic transcription, "woods" is spelled as /wʊdz/. The "w" sound is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant, made by rounding the lips and raising the back of the tongue towards the velum. The "oo" sound is pronounced as a close back rounded vowel, with the lips rounded and the tongue pulled towards the back of the mouth. Finally, the "ds" sound is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar affricate, made by touching the tongue to the alveolar ridge and quickly releasing air through the mouth.
The idiomatic expression "is out of the woods" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone has overcome a difficult or dangerous period. The phrase suggests that the person was facing a problem or danger akin to being lost or trapped in a forest but has successfully navigated their way to safety.
This figurative expression implies that the individual is no longer in an immediate threat or facing imminent danger. It often indicates that they have successfully resolved a challenging situation, alleviating concerns, and are now free from potential harm or negative consequences.
By the extension of the metaphorical image of a forest, "is out of the woods" conveys a sense of relief, as if emerging into safer territory after being surrounded by uncertainty or adversity. The phrase suggests that the individual has progressed beyond the most hazardous phase, making it through a difficult time or overcoming obstacles on their path.
In a broader context, the expression can also signify that a certain event or situation has reached a point where its potential negative impact is significantly reduced or eliminated altogether. It indicates that the worst is over, and a sense of security or stability has been restored.
Overall, "is out of the woods" signifies that someone or something has overcome a dangerous or difficult period, survived a challenging situation, or passed through a risk-filled phase and has reached a state of safety, security, or resolution.