get out of the way—
1. stand aside or withdraw:
- John dived for cover but the camera-man played it cool, pausing to switch on the camera before getting out of the way.
2. (also: get out of my way) used as a rude command for a person to move from his place or to go away:
- “Get out of the way,” the man shouted and pushed him.
put oneself out of the way—
1. (also: go out of one’s way) go to a lot of trouble to do smth. well:
- Why should Lady Castlewood put herself out of the way to welcome the young stranger?
2. remove oneself from the scene:
- So he went abroad, to put himself out of the way … and also as a matter of personal development.