out of collar
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Sense 2
Meaning · English
out of place,—in allusion to servants. When in place, the term is IN COLLAR. Most likely from "head in the COLLAR," said of horses when hard at work.
Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)
Where it’s used:
Origin
British & Irish English
Sources & notes
Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “out of collar” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “out of collar” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.