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]

Example Sentences

The 26-year-old World Player of the Year sat out the quarter-final win over Scotland, but has come through the necessary medical checks to add pace and attacking intent to England's back three.

From BBC

The menstrual cycle is personal, so often the physios will monitor the player during the sessions and games, but it is unlikely they will sit out training or a game.

From BBC

But sitting out a year, or more, would have been the right call.

From Los Angeles Times

By sitting out the rest of the season, he will have at least four months without a match.

From BBC

But after sitting out all of training camp and several weeks of preseason practices, his ability to start and finish the game was a victory unto itself.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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