in action—
1. engaged in an activity, especially as a particular or good example:
- It is not hard to understand why the team is so talented when you see the team in action.
2. in military combat:
- Charles Havlat is thought to be the very last American soldier killed in action in the European operations of World War II.
out of action—
1. (of a machine or vehicle) not working or functioning properly:
- We were aware that the hotel was under renovation, however for two days the elevator was out of action.
2. (of a sportsman) unable to participate in a competition, etc. because of an injury:
- He had surgery on both of his knees and therefore was out of action for several weeks.