bolt out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To leave a place very suddenly and quickly, often in a manner that suggests urgency, fear, or a desire to escape an unpleasant situation.
Usage
The verb "bolt out" describes a rapid, impulsive departure. It emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the exit. It is often used when someone leaves to avoid something awkward, boring, frightening, or undesirable.
Examples
- "When the fire alarm sounded, everyone bolted out of the building." (This shows a sudden, urgent exit due to danger.)
- "He bolted out of the room as soon as the meeting was over." (This emphasizes a quick departure, likely due to eagerness to leave.)
- "The cat bolted out the door when it heard a loud noise." (This illustrates a sudden, frightened escape.)
Advanced Usage
- "to bolt out of the blue": This is a less common, figurative use combining "bolt out" with the idiom "out of the blue" (meaning unexpectedly). It describes an idea or action that emerges suddenly and surprisingly.
- Example: "His decision to quit his job bolted out of the blue and shocked everyone."
Variants and Related Words
- Bolt (verb): The core verb meaning to move or run away suddenly. "Bolt out" is a specific phrasal verb form.
- Example: "The horse bolted when it saw the snake."
- Run out (verb): A close synonym, though "run out" can sometimes imply a more orderly or planned exit, while "bolt out" strongly implies a panicked or rushed one.
- Example: "I have to run out to the store." (This is a planned errand, not a sudden escape.)
Synonyms
- Dash out
- Rush out
- Flee
- Make a run for it
- Take off
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Run out: To leave quickly. (Note: This can also mean to exhaust a supply, which is a different meaning.)
- Example: "She ran out in tears."
- Dart out: To move out suddenly and swiftly.
- Example: "The child darted out into the street."
Related Idioms
- Make a bolt for it: To try to escape suddenly.
- Example: "When the guard looked away, the prisoner made a bolt for it."
- Take French leave: To leave abruptly or without permission (old-fashioned idiom).
- Example: "He took French leave from the party without saying goodbye."
Verb
- leave suddenly and as if in a hurry
- The listeners bolted when he discussed his strange ideas
- When she started to tell silly stories, I ran out