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

It’s a get-on-board or get-out type of deal.”

From Washington Times • Aug. 25, 2023

However, if the leadership is defeated on any issues it will have two get-out clauses.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2023

That is when the get-out gong begins to bang in earnest, a whole catalog from the dark side of Turner Classic Movies contained in its clammy, familiar feminine dread: “Gaslight,” “Rebecca,” “Rosemary’s Baby.”

From New York Times • May 25, 2023

They may give the manufacturer a get-out in the event of a failure to obtain parts.

From Reuters • Jan. 18, 2023

The other one was brown and black and skinny as all get-out.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

Related Words

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