be ruled out of court
To be thwarted by unforeseen circumstances. Primarily heard in UK. My hopes of getting a place of my own were ruled out of court when I lost my job.
be ruled out of court
mainly BRITISHIf something that you want to do is ruled out of court, circumstances make it impossible for you to do it. It was hoping to start medical training that year but then I had the accident and it was ruled out of court.