Dic: in action, out of action

• It was interesting to see the UN in action.
• They could make better ESL books if they observed students in action.
• That accident forced my boss out of action for almost a month.
• The explosion put the ship out of action.

in action: active or working

out of action: not able to work or be active

..... http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/actio