take (one) out of (oneself)

take (one) out of (oneself)

To do something that distracts one from something causing worry, anxiety, or distress. He's been so stressed out about his exams that I think it's starting to affect his mental health. I think we should take him to Disney World for the weekend to take him out of himself for a while. My wife thinks it's silly that I still play video games, but it really helps to take me out of myself after a stressful day at work.See also: of, out, take

take someone or something out of something

 and take someone or something outto carry, lead, or guide someone or something out of something or some place. (See also something out">take something out.) He was becoming quite ill from the smoke, and I had to take him out of the room. They took out the injured people.See also: of, out, take

take something out of someone or something

 and take something outto remove something from the inside of someone or something. The doctors took a large intestinal tumor out of Wally. She took out a sheet of paper.See also: of, out, take

take somebody ˈout of himself, herself, etc.

amuse or entertain somebody and so make them feel less worried about their problems or less unhappy: She was very depressed when they split up. We took her away for a few days to try to take her out of herself.See also: of, out, somebody, take