wait out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Wait until a difficult situation ends
Why “out”? A problem, disagreement, or hard time continues until it is settled or ends.
“We waited out the storm in the school hall.”
“The noise was awful, but we waited it out.”
Don't confuse with
Wait out means stay until a difficult situation ends. Wait up means stay awake until someone arrives home.
Test yourself
“We waited out the storm in the school hall.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
wait up
A contrast learners often mix up
Stay awake until someone arrives home
fight out
Same out pattern: resolution
Settle a disagreement by arguing or fighting until one side wins
hammer out
Same out pattern: resolution
Reach an agreement after long and difficult discussion
hold out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resist or last for a particular time
iron out
Same out pattern: resolution
Solve small problems or differences
sort out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem successfully
straighten out
Same out pattern: resolution
Resolve a problem or confusion
sweat out
Same out pattern: resolution
Endure a difficult or anxious situation until it ends
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