Meaning of Idiom ‘Get Something Out of Your (or one’s) System’
1. To expel something from the body, through metabolism, vomiting, or other sources of elimination (used in regards to medications, toxins, etc.)
2. To permanently stop thinking about something one is preoccupied with, such as a desire, especially by sharing one’s feelings.
3. To release anger or other strong emotions.
Sentence Examples
“This medicine gave me a bad headache. I’m sure it will go away once I get it out of my system.”
“He tried to get the alcohol out of his system by doing some light exercise but he still felt slightly hung over.”
“I used to be obsessed with traveling but I got it out of my system during my military term.”
“You just need to get it out of your system. Talking might help.”
“It’s time you got Devin out of your system. He was never any good for you.”
“I get intense cravings for chocolate sometimes so I buy a box of chocolate bars. That gets it out of my system for a while.”
“I am so angry right now. I need a drink and a little downtime to get it out of my system.”
Origin
Used since around 1900s.
In this idiom, one’s ‘system’ refers to the bodily organs and functions, expanding the term to refer also to one’s mental processes.
