What are the definitions of “bottle out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Lack courage to do something.
She was going to tell her boss exactly what she thought, but BOTTLED OUT in the end.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bottle out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bottle out is to lack the courage to do something or to decide not to do something because of fear or nervousness. It is often used when someone changes their mind about doing something they had planned to do.
What are the different verb forms of “bottle out”?
| Root Verb | bottle out |
| Third Person Singular Present | bottles out |
| Present Participle | bottling out |
| Simple Past | bottled out |
| Past Participle | bottled out |
Example
He wanted to ask her out, but he bottled out at the last moment.
Example
She always bottles out when it's time to make a difficult decision.
Example
He is bottling out of the bungee jump because he's too scared.
Example
They bottled out of the competition because they didn't think they could win.
Example
He had bottled out of the confrontation, leaving his friend to deal with the problem.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bottle out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“bottle out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She bottled out when it was time to give her speech.
Example
He bottled out of the skydiving trip.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bottle out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She bottled out when it was time to give her speech.
Example
He bottled out of the skydiving trip.
Good things to know
Does “bottle out” have an informal or formal tone?
Bottle out is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'lose courage' or 'back out' can be used.
