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• get-out
  get-out

  noun

  the break-even point.
• get out
  get out

  verb

  to leave or escape or cause to leave or escape: used in the imperative when dismissing a person

get-out

American  

[get-out] / ˈgɛtˌaʊt /

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.

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idioms

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

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

get out British  

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. 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

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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

get out More Idioms  

1. Leave, escape, as in With good conduct he'll get out of prison in a few months , or In case of a fire, we just want to get out alive . [c. 1300] This phrase is also used as an imperative, ordering someone to depart. For example, Get out! You've no business being in here . [c. 1700] Also see get out of , def. 1.

2. Become known, as in Somehow the secret got out . [Late 1800s] Also see out in the open .

3. get something out . Publish something, as in Once we get out the newsletter, we can concentrate on other projects . [Late 1700s]

4. Produce a sound, as in The singer had a sore throat and could hardly get out a note . [First half of 1800s] Also see the subsequent idioms beginning with get out .

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Etymology

Origin of get-out

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

Example Sentences

"If something serious were to happen, I would shout 'Help! Get out!"

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Inside KCK, a popular message was: Get out!

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Then a fellow would-be resident got in touch, saying: "I've dug a little bit further. Get out."

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

Get out there and get on with your day, ma’am or sir!

From Slate • Jul. 26, 2025

“Frankie! Are you mad? Get out of here!”

From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick

Related Words

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