Phrase guide

bottle out

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To fail to perform a promised or planned action due to lack of courage or nerve; to run away or back down from a contest or challenge.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, informal

Examples

  • I had really wanted to dive off the 10-metre platform, but in the end I bottled out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bottle it, lose one's nerve, get cold feet

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: craquer — to fail to perform a promised or planned action due to lack of courage or nerve
  • French: se dégonfler — to fail to perform a promised or planned action due to lack of courage or nerve
  • Polish: tchórzyć — to fail to perform a promised or planned action due to lack of courage or nerve
  • Polish: stchórzyć — to fail to perform a promised or planned action due to lack of courage or nerve