deal (one) out of (something)

deal (one) out of (something)

To exclude one from something. The phrase likely originated from card games, in which cards are distributed among the players by "dealing" them. If you guys are going to keep playing poker, then deal me out of this hand—I have to get something upstairs. Bobby isn't going to the conference anymore, so deal him out of this project.See also: deal, of, out

deal someone out of something

 and deal someone out 1. Lit. to skip someone when dealing a hand of cards. Please deal me out of the next hand. I have to go make a telephone call. They dealt out the old lady because she would not pay attention to the game. 2. Fig. to remove someone from participation in something. They dealt me out at the last minute. They dealt out Fred, too.See also: deal, of, out