The phrase 'out of pocket' refers to expenses that must be paid by an individual, not reimbursed by an employer or insurance, or it can mean being unavailable or unreachable.
When do you use "Out of pocket"?
Use 'out of pocket' when discussing personal expenses that are not covered by insurance or an employer. It can also be used when referring to someone who is temporarily unavailable or unreachable, especially in a professional context.
"Out of pocket" Usage Examples
I had to pay for my doctor's visit out of pocket since my insurance didn't cover it.
She will be out of pocket for the next few hours and won't be able to answer any calls.
The project was expensive, and we ended up spending a lot of money out of pocket.
He’s been out of pocket lately, so I haven't been able to get in touch with him.
I need to keep track of my out-of-pocket expenses for the tax deduction.
"Out of pocket" Explained
'Out of pocket' originally derived from financial contexts, where individuals had to pay expenses directly from their own funds. The phrase evolved to include the idea of being unavailable, likely stemming from the notion of being 'out of reach' or 'out of contact.' Over time, its meanings have expanded in everyday usage.