belly out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To swell out or bulge out: To expand or protrude outward, often in a rounded manner, like the shape of a belly.
Usage
- This verb is typically used to describe how a flexible surface, such as fabric, a sail, or a part of the body, curves or bulges outward, usually due to pressure from within (like wind or air) or because of its shape.
- It is often used in an intransitive way, meaning it does not take a direct object. The thing that "bellies out" does so on its own.
Examples
- Verb:
- The sails bellied out as the strong wind filled them.
- The parachute bellied out beautifully after it was deployed.
- Her shirt bellied out in the breeze.
Advanced Usage
- Nautical Context: Frequently used to describe sails or flags filling with wind and bulging forward.
- The spinnaker bellied out, pulling the yacht forward at great speed.
- Descriptive Prose: Used in writing to vividly describe a rounded, protruding shape.
- The curtains bellied out from the open window.
Variants and Related Words
- Belly (verb): The base form, meaning to swell or bulge out.
- The canvas bellied in the storm.
- Bulge (verb): A close synonym meaning to swell or protrude.
- Swell (verb): To become larger or rounder in size, often from pressure.
Synonyms
- Bulge
- Swell
- Billow (especially for fabric or smoke)
- Pouch out
- Bag
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Belly up: This is a completely different phrasal verb meaning to fail or go bankrupt (e.g., ). Do not confuse with "belly out."
Related Idioms
- No common idioms directly use "belly out." The imagery is primarily literal, describing a physical bulging shape.