take out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take out’ mean?
The idiom "take out" means to remove something or someone from a particular place or situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw out" means to dispose of something, to get rid of it. It can also mean to eject or expel someone from a place or a group.
"Term out" is an idiomatic expression that means to leave or finish a particular term or period of time, typically in a formal or official capacity. It often refers to completing a term of office or tenure, but can also be used in a general sense to indicate the end of a specific period or arrangement.
The idiom "tell apart" means to distinguish or recognize the difference between two or more similar things or people.
The idiom "talk someone out of something" means to persuade or convince someone not to do or pursue something that they were planning or considering.
The idiom "take one's leave" means to say goodbye or depart from a place or a person.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
The idiom "take one's hat off to" means to show admiration or respect for someone's achievement or actions.
The idiom "take lightly" means to not take something seriously or to underestimate its importance or impact.
The idiom "take it outside" means resolving a conflict or argument by moving it outside, usually from a public space to a more private one. This phrase is often used to suggest dealing with an issue physically or away from others.
Unveiling the Essence
The idiom "take out" has several meanings and uses in American English.
One meaning of "take out" is to remove something or someone from a particular place or situation. For example, if you remove the trash, you are taking it out of your home. Similarly, if you borrow a book from the library, you are taking it out of the library's collection for a period of time.
"Take out" can also mean buying food from a restaurant or fast food place and having it prepared to be eaten elsewhere. This is known as ordering takeout. When you order takeout, you are buying food that will be prepared specifically for you and then taken away to be consumed at a different location, often your home.
Another way "take out" is used is in financial transactions. It can mean withdrawing money from a bank or ATM. For example, if you need cash for an expense, you might go to the bank and take out money from your account.
"Take out" can also be used metaphorically to mean eliminating or causing the removal of something or someone. For instance, if someone defeats an opponent in a sports competition, they can be said to take them out. In a similar vein, if someone neutralizes a target in a military or strategic context, they are taking it out.
Additionally, "take out" can be used idiomatically to express romantic or social plans. For instance, if someone asks another person to go on a date, they might say, "Would you like to go out? Let's take out." In this context, "take out" suggests engaging in an activity or spending time together, often outside of one's usual environment or routine.
Overall, the idiom "take out" has multiple meanings and uses in American English, ranging from physically removing something or someone to engaging in activities or financial transactions. Its versatility and adaptability make it a commonly used and understood phrase in everyday conversations and contexts.
However, it's important to distinguish "take out" from related idioms like "move out" and "take one's leave." While these idioms may share similarities in terms of physical removal or departure, they have distinct meanings and connotations. "Move out" typically refers to vacating a living space or changing residences, while "take one's leave" generally means to say goodbye or depart from a location or social gathering. Although there may be instances where these idioms overlap or can be used interchangeably, it's crucial to consider their specific nuances and contexts when using them in conversation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *take out* can be used in a sentence:
- Can you take out the trash before leaving?
- We should take out some money from the ATM.
- Let's take out the kids for ice cream.
More "Verb" idioms
