sit out

verb

1. (tr) to endure to the end

   I sat out the play although it was terrible

2. (tr) to remain seated throughout (a dance, etc)

3. US and Canadian term: hike out. (intr) to lean backwards over the side of a light sailing boat in order to carry the centre of gravity as far to windward as possible to reduce heeling

Idioms and Phrases

Also, sit through . Stay until the end of, as in We decided to sit out the lecture instead of leaving early , or He was only eight when he sat through an entire opera—and it lasted nearly five hours . [Early 1700s]

Refrain from taking part in, as in Jane's foot hurt so she sat out the last three dances . [Mid-1600s]

Outlast, outstay, as in He sat out all the other guests, hoping to get a word alone with the host . [Mid-1700s]

Related Words

• abandon 
• abdicate 
• abstain 
• eschew 
• forsake 
• pass on 
• pass up 
• quit 
• refrain 
• relinquish 
• renounce 
• resist 
• swear off 
• waive