march out
Definition
Verb: 1. To move out from a confined or narrow space into a wider, open area, especially in a military context. This verb describes the action of troops, a formation, or a group exiting a constrained place like a valley, forest, or defile and emerging onto open ground.
Usage
The verb "march out" is used to describe a deliberate, often organized, movement from a confined area to an open one. It strongly implies a transition from a restricted space to a place with more freedom of movement or visibility. * The general ordered the troops to march out of the mountain pass and form ranks on the plain. * After a long trek through the dense jungle, the explorers finally marched out into a sunlit clearing.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While primarily literal, it can be used figuratively to describe emerging from a period of difficulty, obscurity, or isolation into a more prominent or active state.
- After years of research in the laboratory, the scientist marched out to present her groundbreaking discovery to the world.
Variants and Related Words
- Debouch (verb): A more formal or technical synonym, often used in military or geographical contexts, meaning to emerge from a narrow opening. (e.g., )
- Sally forth (phrasal verb): To set out boldly from a defensive position. It carries a connotation of a sudden, energetic emergence, often for an attack or adventure.
Synonyms
- Emerge
- Issue forth
- File out
- Pour out (implies a less orderly movement)
Antonyms
- March in
- Enter
- Withdraw into
- Retreat into
Related Phrasal Verbs
- March off: To depart, especially in a military manner. This focuses on the act of leaving a starting point rather than the nature of the space being exited.
- The soldiers marched off to the sound of drums.
- March on: To continue marching; to advance toward a destination.
- The protestors plan to march on the capital.
Verb
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march out (as from a defile) into open ground
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The regiments debouched from the valley
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