stick out

British  

verb

1. to project or cause to project

2. informal (tr) to endure (something disagreeable) (esp in the phrase stick it out )

3. informal to be extremely obvious

4. (intr) to insist on (a demand), refusing to yield until it is met

   the unions stuck out for a ten per cent wage rise

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stick out Idioms  

1. Also, stick out a mile or like a sore thumb . Be very prominent or conspicuous, as in Dad's funny hat made him stick out in the crowd , or That purple house sticks out a mile , or John's lie sticks out like a sore thumb . The first term dates from the mid-1500s, the variants from the first half of the 1900s. The variant using thumb alludes to the propensity for holding an injured thumb stiffly, making it stand out (and thereby risking further injury).

2. Continue doing something, endure something, as in I know you don't like it but you have to stick out the job for another month . [Late 1600s] A variant is stick it out , as in His new play's boring, but since he's my cousin we'd better stick it out . [Late 1800s] Also see stick it , def. 1.

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Example Sentences

“A big, big theropod with big steak knives sticking out of his mouth.”

From Science Magazine

The dinosaur’s teeth didn’t stick out when its mouth was closed, and even in a wide open bite, you might just see the tips, the scientists found.

From Seattle Times

Many depictions of the prehistoric predator show its teeth sticking out even when its mouth is closed, like a snaggletoothed crocodile.

From New York Times

Birdcalls look like thin bright quills sticking out of the coyote signals.

From Washington Post

“What’s up little man,” he said, sticking out his massive paw, slapping five with young boy as he walked into the cages.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bulge
• bulge out
• jut out
• poke out
• protrude
• stand out