tap out
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To produce a rhythm by tapping: To create a rhythmic pattern by striking a surface repeatedly, often with one's fingers, hands, or feet.
- To signal by tapping a code: To communicate a message, especially a distress signal like SOS, by tapping on a surface in a coded sequence.
Usage
- The primary use of "tap out" is to describe the action of creating a rhythm or a coded signal through a series of taps.
- It is a separable phrasal verb (e.g., "tap a rhythm out" or "tap out a rhythm").
Examples
- Verb:
- The drummer tapped out a complex beat on the table with his pencils.
- Trapped in the old mine, he tapped out an SOS signal on the pipe, hoping for rescue.
Advanced Usage
- "tap out" (martial arts/sports slang): To submit by tapping the floor or an opponent, signaling defeat. (Note: This is a distinct, common idiomatic usage related to the core idea of signaling by tapping).
- The wrestler had to tap out when he was caught in the painful hold.
Variants and Related Words
- Tap (verb): To strike lightly.
- Out (adverb): Often used in phrasal verbs to indicate completion, production, or expression.
Synonyms
- Beat out: To produce a rhythm by beating.
- Knock out: To produce a signal by knocking (similar in context of coded signals).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Tap into: To access or make use of a resource.
- The company aims to tap into new markets.
Related Idioms
- Tap out (of money/resources): To have no money or resources left; to be exhausted. (This is an informal extension of the "exhaustion/submission" concept).
- After buying the new computer, I'm completely tapped out.
Verb
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beat out a rhythm