zone
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Related to zoning: Zoning ordinance, Zoning Map
(one's) comfort zone
1. A place, activity, situation, or psychological state in which a person feels free from anxiety and is within their normal level of ability, experience, security, or control. Though it is often outside your comfort zone, traveling to foreign countries gives you a much greater perspective on how other people in the world live. The new job is a little out of my comfort zone, but it will give me a great opportunity to see what I'm truly capable of. Going on a blind date is definitely not in my comfort zone, but I'm tired of being alone.
2. The temperature range wherein one's body feels naturally comfortable, being neither too hot nor too cold. Many retired Americans, being more sensitive to the cold, settle in Florida, where the balmy weather better suits their comfort zones. Thank you for turning the heat up—this is more like my comfort zone. A: "I think Tammy's internal thermostat must be broken." B: "I know, her comfort zone is way colder than mine, which is a problem, since we live together!"
be a war zone
1. To be characterized by violence, lawlessness, or chaos. Likened to an area in which literal military combat takes place. That part of the city is a total war zone now due to all the gang violence. After the local government collapsed, what was left behind was a war zone of various political groups vying for control. Those poor refugees escaped the famine but now they're in a war zone—it's truly awful.
2. To be especially cluttered, disorderly, or chaotic. Your bedroom is a war zone. Now get in there and clean it up! I know my desk looks like a war zone, but I know exactly where everything is that I need. Can you help me organize the file cabinet? It's just a war zone right now and no one can find anything they're looking for.
danger zone
1. The temperature range 40–140 °F (5–60°C), above and below which food must be heated or chilled respectively in order to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When reheating meat, it's important to make sure that every part of it is heated above the danger zone, not just the outside layer. Don't forget to refrigerate the leftovers right away—you don't want them to stay in the danger zone by leaving them out. I wouldn't eat anything that's been sitting out in this heat—I'm sure it's all in the danger zone by now.
2. Any range of some measurement in which someone or something is at risk. With only another two weeks to get the points necessary to qualify for the playoffs, the team finds itself in the danger zone for elimination. See the red portion of the pressure gauge? That's the danger zone—if the pressure gets up that high, the whole thing could blow. Please tell me we're not in the danger zone for flash flooding.
3. Any situation that is dangerous or concerning. The doctor says she's going to monitor Omar for the next hour and then operate if he's still in the danger zone. Oh god, the rocket is in the danger zone—it's plummeting to Earth much too quickly! OK, they've figured it out, they know we're spies—we're definitely in the danger zone now.
flood the zone
1. In sports, to apply a large amount of pressure to a particular area of play. Their left safety is shaky, so let's try flooding the zone with the tight end and both wide receivers on the next play. We know she's going to flood the zone with high fastballs, so lay off 'em. It's a must-win game for them, so you know they'll flood the zone with shots right from the puck drop.
2. To put forth or provide a large quantity of something. We need to flood the zone as best we can to get this story heard. That means I want everyone posting about it on social media, blogging about it, anything to get it out into the public consciousness. His opponent flooded the zone with ads that proved devastating to his chances of reelection. We couldn't get anywhere near City Hall because protestors had flooded the zone.
friend zone
1. noun Where someone is said to be when the object of their affection only sees them as a friend, rather than as a potential romantic partner. This term is usually (but not always) applied to males. If Bella cries to you about all of her bad dates but never asks you out, I'm afraid you're in the friend zone, dude. Ugh, I thought Chad and I had some real chemistry, but it's pretty clear that I'm just in the friend zone with him. A: "Did he send you a winky face or a smiley face?" B: "Just a smiley face." A: "Hmm, that seems more friend zone than flirty to me."
2. verb To treat someone who is romantically interested in one as a friend, rather than as a potential romantic partner. When used as a verb, this phrase is usually written as one word. Why are you friendzoning Zack? He's a good guy, so you should trying going out with him. I didn't mean to friendzone Pete, I just never knew he was into me. And I was still hung up on my ex anyway. A: "I'm sorry, Maya, I wasn't trying to friendzone you." B: "No, I just stupidly never realized how much you liked Caroline."
in (one's) comfort zone
1. In a place, activity, situation, or psychological state in which a person feels free from anxiety and is within their normal level of ability, experience, security, or control. I know it's not in your comfort zone, but traveling to a foreign country can give you a much better perspective on how other people in the world live. I've been in my comfort zone for way too long with this job. It's time to take some risks and see what else is out there for me! Going on a blind date is definitely not in my comfort zone, but I'm tired of being alone.
2. Within the temperature range that feels naturally comfortable to a person's body, being neither too hot nor too cold. When I retire, I'm definitely moving to Florida. The balmy weather there is more in my comfort zone than Minnesota, that's for sure. Thank you for turning the heat up—now we're in my comfort zone. A: "I think Tammy's internal thermostat must be broken." B: "I know, she's only in her comfort zone when it's freezing in here!"
in the friend zone
slang Considered merely a friend by someone rather than as a potential romantic interest. If Bella cries to you about all of her bad dates but never asks you out, I'm afraid you're in the friend zone, dude. Ugh, I thought Chad and I had some real chemistry, but it's pretty clear that I'm just in the friend zone with him. A: "Did he send you a winky face or a smiley face?" B: "Just a smiley face." A: "Hmm, that doesn't seem flirty to me. Hate to tell you this, but you might be in the friend zone."
in the zone
In a state in which one can or feels as though one can perform with exceptional focus, skill, and energy. I'm not the best chess player in the world, but when I'm in the zone, I feel unstoppable. Their goaltender has been in the zone all game long. Nothing has gotten by her! Sorry, what was that? I was in the zone with my writing and didn't hear what you said.
See also: zone
red zone
1. In American football, the area between the 20-yard line and the goal line on either end of the field, indicating a scoring opportunity for one team or a threat to the other. Down by five points with just three minutes remaining, the Steelers are in the Broncos' red zone with a chance to claim victory.
2. An area or region that is forbidden or especially dangerous. The disputed territory has become a red zone after an increase in military activity between the two nations.
3. The section of a meter, gauge, dial, etc., indicating unsafe conditions or usage. You've got to keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. If you let it get into the red zone, the boiler could explode.
twilight zone
An ambiguous area between the boundaries of two concepts, conditions, etc.; a gray area. The phrase originated before it became the title of the popular television show. Unfortunately, his citizenship status is in the twilight zone now that the courts are reviewing the legality of the immigration restrictions. Jeff and I somehow ended up holding hands at the movie last night, and now we're in this weird twilight zone between friendship and dating.
war zone
1. Literally, an area in which military combat takes place. That region has been a war zone for the whole last year following the rebel uprising.
2. By extension, any place or area that is characterized by violence, lawlessness, or chaos. That part of the city has become so consumed by drugs and gang violence that it has turned into a total war zone. The local government has collapsed, leaving behind a war zone of various political groups vying for control.
3. Any area that is especially cluttered, disorderly, or chaotic. Your bedroom is a war zone. Now get in there and clean it up! I know my desk looks like a war zone, but I know exactly where everything is that I need.
zone (some place) as (something)
To mark the boundaries of a particular area for the express purpose of becoming or serving as something. The city council has zoned the patch of land as a residential area, barring any corporate development on the site. The government zoned the entire region as a federal park decades ago.
See also: zone
zone (something) for (something)
To set a restriction as to what can be built on or done to a specific area. Often used in passive constructions. They zoned the entire are for commercial buildings years ago, so even though the city is in dire need of housing, they can't legally be built there. Huge parts of the city are zoned for parks and other forms of green space, which has constrained its ability to bring in new businesses and residences somewhat.
zone in and out
To lose and regain focus, attention, or awareness intermittently, as due to boredom, fatigue, or intoxication. A: "Did you catch what the boss said about the policy changes?" B: "Not really. I kind of zoned in and out while he was talking." The pain medication the doctors gave me is really strong, so I keep zoning in and out.
zone in on (something)
To focus one's attention on something. Critics seem to have really zoned in on a single scene in the film, and I think they're missing some important points elsewhere. I love how my toddler zones in on new words when she hears them.
zone off
To set a restriction as to what can be built on or done to, on, or within a specific area. "A noun or pronoun can be used between "zone" and "off." Often used in passive constructions. They zoned the entire area off years ago for commercial buildings, so even though the city is in dire need of housing, they can't legally be built there. Huge parts of the city are zoned off for parks and other forms of green space, which has constrained its ability to bring in new businesses and residences somewhat.
zone out
1. To lose focus or stop paying attention to something, usually unintentionally. The term can be used to indicate that someone has focused on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. I think I must have zoned out during that lecture, because when it was over I realized I didn't remember anything the professor said. Jerry kind of zones out when he plays video games, so you have to be really loud to get his attention.
2. To intentionally ignore or block out certain stimuli, distractions, etc. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "zone" and "out." When you're playing, you have to zone out everything except what's happening on the field. I know Aunt Lula can be aggravating, but she's only here for a few days, so just try to zone her out.
zoned (out)
In a state of suspended focus, attention, or awareness, as due to boredom, fatigue, or intoxication. A: "Did you catch what the boss said about the policy changes?" B: "Not really. I was zoned out for most of the meeting." The pain medication the doctors gave me is really strong, so I've been pretty zoned all day.
See also: zone
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
zone something as something
to create a particular legally defined area within a governmental or other local area. They zoned this area as a shopping district. The city council zoned the vacant lot as a park.
See also: zone
zone something for something
to specify what can be built or what can be done within a particular legally defined area within a governmental area. Did the council zone this area for business? They zoned this area for residences.
zone something off
to create a special regulatory zone in an area. The council zoned part of the land off for a park. They zoned off land for a park.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
zone out
Stop paying attention, dissociate oneself from a situation. Also, engage in a mindless activity. For example, When Felicia starts talking about her ailments and her friends' ailments, I totally zone out . This idiom also occurs in the passive, be zoned out. It originally alluded to narcotic intoxication and then was broadened to other kinds of dissociation. For a near synonym, see tune out, def. 2. [Slang; second half of 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
zone for
v.
To restrict some section of an area or territory to some specific use: That area used to be farmland until the city zoned it for industrial use. That entire block is zoned for residences, so you can't open a business there.
zone off
v.
To restrict or reserve a section of some area or territory: The city zoned off these blocks for commercial use. The police zoned the town hall off from vehicular traffic.
zone out
v. Slang
1. To lose concentration or become inattentive: I sensed the class was zoning out, so I started talking louder.
2. To lose awareness of one's surroundings: An hour after I took the cough syrup, I lay back in bed and zoned out.
3. To refuse to pay attention to someone or something; ignore someone or something: The athlete zoned out the jeering crowd and made the free-throw shot. Every time I try to give you advice, you zone out everything I say.
4. To cause someone or something to lose awareness of one's surroundings: The medication that I take zones me out.
5. To exclude someone or something by restricting a section of an area or territory: Farmers complain that the government has zoned them out of the best farmland. The city zoned out adult entertainment companies.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in the O-zone
mod. dead; on the verge of death; showing the O-sign. (With the mouth hanging open, like the letter O.) This patient is in the O-zone. Ready to go at any minute.
in the Q-zone
mod. dead; on the verge of death; with the mouth showing the Q-sign. Look at that tongue hanging out. This guy’s in the Q-zone.
war zone
n. an area where things get rough; a tough neighborhood. Unfortunately our offices are in a war zone, and we have to be on the way home before dark.
zoned (out)
1. mod. alcohol or drug intoxicated. What’s the matter with your eyes? Get a little zoned last night?
2. mod. exhausted. After a day like this, I’m really zoned.
zoned
verbSee zoned out
See also: zone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
in the zone
Informal In a state of focused attention or energy so that one's performance is enhanced: a goalie who was in the zone throughout the playoffs.
See also: zone
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.