shell out

British  

verb

1. informal (adverb) to pay out or hand over (money)

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shell out Idioms  

1. Pay, hand over, as in We had to shell out $1,000 for auto repairs. This expression transfers taking a seed such as a pea or nut out of its pod or shell to taking money out of one's pocket. [Colloquial; c. 1800]

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Etymology

Origin of shell out

C19: from _shell (in the sense: to remove from a pod or (figuratively) a purse)

Example Sentences

Most Lululemon customers shell out $118 for its yoga pants because of the brand’s status and suitability, not because of their “sustainability,” as Mr. Paxton claims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Buffett was known for keeping enough cash on the sidelines that he could take advantage of opportunities as they arose, but he wouldn’t just shell out cash for just any name.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Youth sports have grown into a $40-billion dollar per year industry, where eager parents shell out for private coaches, off-season practice, and travel leagues, in the hopes of giving their child a competitive edge.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

That’s how much the average 65-year-old may need to shell out — in after-tax savings — to cover healthcare expenses in retirement.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

“Why should I shell out money”—Dad tossed the magazine on the floor—“for a pile of rocks?”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell