Grow Out Of – Meaning and Examples
Children change constantly—they get bigger, their interests evolve, and they leave behind childish behaviors. In English, we say they grow out of these things. This practical idiom describes natural development and change throughout life.
What Does “Grow Out Of” Mean?
“Grow out of” means to become too big or mature for something. Think of it like a child whose feet get too big for their shoes, or a teenager who stops playing with childhood toys. It describes leaving things behind because of physical growth or personal development.
When to Use It
Use this idiom when talking about children getting bigger. Use it when discussing clothes that no longer fit. Use it when people overcome childhood fears or habits. Use it when interests change with age. It is a neutral phrase that describes natural progression.
Example Sentences
- My son has grown out of all his shoes again.
- She grew out of her fear of dogs when she turned seven.
- I hope he grows out of this biting phase soon.
- They’ve grown out of watching cartoons and prefer movies now.
Mini Dialogue
Mother: “We need to buy new pants for Liam.”
Father: “Already? He just grew out of the ones we bought three months ago!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this idiom is about natural development. It is not about plants growing upward or outward.
❌ Don’t say: “The tree grew out of the ground quickly.” (Use “grew from” instead).
✅ Do say: “My daughter has grown out of her winter coat from last year.”
Practice Tip
Look in your closet for an item of clothing that no longer fits you. Say aloud, “I grew out of this [item].” If you have children, notice something they recently grew out of and use the phrase when telling someone about it.
Final Note
You now know how to use “grow out of” to describe natural development and change. This practical phrase will help you talk about children’s growth, changing interests, and overcoming childhood phases. Use it to describe the natural process of outgrowing things as we mature!