Region: US | Usage example: The repair was expensive and had to be covered out of pocket.

Out of pocket

Meaning

Paid for directly or left without resources.

Used in finance or when someone is unavailable.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Originally described cash taken from one's pocket; later also meant unreachable.

Accounting and travel contexts in the 20th century adopted the term.