over and out

O

over and out

Meaning

• said when someone is finished talking
• when something has come to an end

Example Sentences

1. I have told you that you will not be going to the party. There will be no further discussion. Over and out.
2. We have found someone else to take over the organisation of the party. You are no longer involved. Over and out.
3. It’s over and out for the Taliban in Afghanistan.
4. Cassette player’s era was over and out when Compact Disk arrived in market.
5. I don’t want to talk to crazy people anymore. Over and out.
6. Welcome to the world of friends, where there is no over and out for quality time.

Origin

The term originated shortly after the radio was invented in the 1800s. When people would talk to each other using a radio there would be confusion as to whose turn it was to speak. Thus, after the person had completed what they wanted to say they would say “over”. This would indicate that it was the other person’s turn to speak. When the person who was speaking had nothing more to say and wanted to end the conversation they would say “out”.

Over and out has two different meanings in radio conversation. Using them together would be confusing. However, it has become a popular way to end a conversation indicating that you are finished speaking and you are not interested in what the other person has to say.

It is never used by people who are communicating by radio.

End, Over, Speech