stick out

British  

verb

1. to project or cause to project

2. informal (tr) to endure (something disagreeable) (esp in the phrase stick it out )

3. informal to be extremely obvious

4. (intr) to insist on (a demand), refusing to yield until it is met

   the unions stuck out for a ten per cent wage rise

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stick out Idioms  

1. Also, stick out a mile or like a sore thumb . Be very prominent or conspicuous, as in Dad's funny hat made him stick out in the crowd , or That purple house sticks out a mile , or John's lie sticks out like a sore thumb . The first term dates from the mid-1500s, the variants from the first half of the 1900s. The variant using thumb alludes to the propensity for holding an injured thumb stiffly, making it stand out (and thereby risking further injury).

2. Continue doing something, endure something, as in I know you don't like it but you have to stick out the job for another month . [Late 1600s] A variant is stick it out , as in His new play's boring, but since he's my cousin we'd better stick it out . [Late 1800s] Also see stick it , def. 1.

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Example Sentences

"It will stick out like a big sore thumb," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Unlike traditional handles that stick out on the door surface and can always be grasped by hand, the retractable handle sinks into the door and isn’t graspable in its default position.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Most top directors can’t act to save their lives, which is why they tend to appear as themselves and stick out like splinters.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2025

Ironically, Redford nearly missed out on the part after one studio executive said: "He's just another Hollywood blond. Throw a stick out of a window in Malibu, you'll hit six like him."

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2025

I begin a curtsy before I remember myself and awkwardly stick out a hand.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• bulge
• bulge out
• jut out
• poke out
• protrude
• stand out