out of action

English edit

Unable to work or function, often due to a particular event.
- 1960 January, “Talking of Trains: The Seven Bridge disaster”, in Trains Illustrated, page 5:
  Press reports of the length of time the bridge is likely to be out of action vary greatly, but Mr. Farr gathers that a temporary structure may be ready in six months; complete reconstruction, however, will take at least two years. [It was never rebuilt or replaced, and demolished instead.]
- 2020 August 26, Andrew Mourant, “Reinforced against future flooding”, in Rail, page 61:
  In 2004, after heavy rain fell on sodden ground, floods put the line out of action from February until May.