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Out of pocket




“Out of pocket” refers to the quarterback on a passing play in American football. When “in the pocket,” the quarterback is protected by the linesmen, and is therefore in his/her normal mode of operation, operating ideally, relatively stationary (seeking out receivers). When he/she is chased out of the pocket, he/she is on the run, not able to pass effectively, and is unprotected from the vagaries of the other team.

HUH? (ha!) 

Read more about the evolution of the phrase to its figurative meaning of today, someone or something is unreachable/unavailable, here. 







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