The spelling of the phrase "was out woods" can be confusing because of the way it is pronounced. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /wʌz aʊt wʊdz/. The "s" in "was" is pronounced as a "z" sound because it comes before a vowel sound, and the "w" in "woods" is pronounced as a "v" sound because it follows a voiced consonant sound. Additionally, the "t" in "out" is often pronounced as a glottal stop, making it sound more like "ow'" than "out".
"Was out of the woods" is an idiomatic expression that means to have overcome a challenging or dangerous situation, usually suggesting that a potential threat or difficulty has been successfully resolved or avoided. The phrase carries the connotation of being relieved, as if one has escaped from a perilous situation or moved beyond a state of uncertainty.
The origin of this expression can be traced back to the literal sense of getting out of the woods, which refers to being free from the hazards and uncertainties that a forest can present. In a figurative sense, "being out of the woods" implies that an individual or group has successfully navigated through a period of difficulty, hardship, or danger, and has now reached a safer or more secure position.
This phrase is commonly used in different contexts, such as medical diagnoses, financial problems, or personal hardships. For instance, if someone is experiencing a serious illness and their condition starts to improve, a doctor might use this expression to indicate that the patient is no longer in immediate danger. Similarly, if an individual is facing financial difficulties but manages to resolve them successfully, they can be said to be "out of the woods" financially.
Overall, the phrase "was out of the woods" signifies the relief and satisfaction that come with overcoming a threatening or challenging situation, suggesting that the worst is over and a more positive outcome is expected.