close out
Britishverb
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Also, close something out . Dispose of a stock of goods; end a business. For example, We are closing out all our china , or They've decided to close out their downtown branch . This expression is most often used in business and commerce but occasionally refers to other matters. [Late 1800s]
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close someone out . Prevent someone's entry or inclusion, as in No one will tell us about the merger—we've been closed out . [Second half of 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
U.S. stocks advanced to close out a blockbuster quarter, marked by sharp gains in the technology sector on expectations for strong spending for artificial intelligence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026
After the win over South Korea, Mexico will close out group play against Czechia at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Wednesday.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026
The Knicks will take a 3-1 series lead to San Antonio on Saturday night, when they will have a chance close out the Spurs at the Frost Bank Center.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Prom was a chance to close out his youth in style, his parents said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
“That is how a cuento ends. A saying to close out what you’ve heard.”
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.