They were trapped after the lifts went out of action.电梯出现故障, 他们被困在里面了。

I'm afraid the photocopier is out of action.恐怕复印机坏了。

I was out of action with a sprained ankle.我扭了脚踝, 无法工作了。

He's been out of action for 16 months.他已经有16个月没在工作了。