get-out

[ get-out ]

noun

1. Commerce. the break-even point.
2. Chiefly British. a method or maneuver used to escape a difficult or embarrassing situation; cop-out:

   The scoundrel has used that get-out once too often.

get out

verb

1. to leave or escape or cause to leave or escape: used in the imperative when dismissing a person
2. to make or become known; publish or be published
3. tr to express with difficulty
4. troften foll byof to extract (information or money) (from a person)

   to get a confession out of a criminal

5. tr to gain or receive something, esp something of significance or value

   you get out of life what you put into it

6. foll by of to avoid or cause to avoid

   she always gets out of swimming

7. tr to solve (a puzzle or problem) successfully
8. cricket to dismiss or be dismissed

noun

1. an escape, as from a difficult situation
2. theatre the process of moving out of a theatre the scenery, props, and costumes after a production

Word History and Origins

Origin of get-out¹

First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase get out

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. as all get-out, Informal. in the extreme; to the utmost degree:

   Once his mind is made up, he can be stubborn as all get-out.

Example Sentences

In the era of super PACs, almost everything a campaign does can be outsourced—get-out-the-vote drives, advertising, and the like.

From The Daily Beast

And if the predicted GOP wave comes, get-out-the-vote may not be enough.

From The Daily Beast

Dems have much to learn from North Korean get-out-the-vote campaign.

From The Daily Beast

Grace isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card, but it covers not just a multitude of sins - it covers them all.

From The Daily Beast

Theory 2: Mr Obama owed his victory to his superior get-out-the-vote technology.

From The Daily Beast

Too bad our little pup-party busted up that way, muttered Phil; but we were lucky to gug-gug-get out without anybody getting wise.

From Project Gutenberg

I aint goin to have you actin like all get-out, just because Chalmys went and married the gal he loved, disappointin you, thereby.

From Project Gutenberg

I got hold of the leg of the table, and held on like all get-out.

From Project Gutenberg

D' yu' reckon they find joyful digestion in this swallo'-an'-get-out trough?

From Project Gutenberg

If we want to beat Boxer Hall weve got to do some tall hustling, and practice like all get-out!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avoid
• break out
• go
• leave
• take off