sold-out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Completely sold in advance: Describing an event, performance, or item for which all tickets or available units have been purchased before it begins or becomes generally available. 2. Corrupt, having accepted bribes: Describing a person, especially a public official, who has been compromised by accepting money or favors in exchange for dishonest actions or influence. (This meaning is less common and often used in a figurative, critical sense.)
Usage and Examples
- The sold-out concert was a huge success for the band.
- Due to high demand, the new video game console was sold-out within minutes of its online release.
- (Figurative/Critical) The journalist accused the mayor of being a sold-out politician who cared more for corporate donors than the public.
Advanced Usage
- The term is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a sold-out show). It can be used without a hyphen when it follows a linking verb (e.g., The show is sold out).
- The figurative meaning implies a betrayal of principles or duty for personal gain, similar to being "bought."
Variants and Related Words
- Sell out (verb phrase): To sell all of the available items or tickets. It can also mean to betray one's principles for personal gain.
- The theater expects to sell out by Friday.
- Many fans felt the band sold out when they licensed their song for a commercial.
- Sellout (noun): An event for which all tickets are sold, or a person who betrays a cause or principle for personal advancement.
- The game was a total sellout.
- He was called a sellout for supporting the policy.
Synonyms
- For "completely sold": fully booked, out of stock, unavailable.
- For "corrupt": bribed, compromised, corrupt, venal.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be sold out: This is the common phrasal verb form from which the adjective derives.
- I wanted tickets, but they were already sold out.
- Sold-out crowd/audience: A common collocation emphasizing that every seat is filled.
- The comedian performed for a sold-out crowd at the stadium.
Adjective
- sold completely in advance
- had a sold-out house for both performances
- having taken a bribe or bribes
- a sold-out politician