bottle out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, colloquial. Common in spoken British English. Can be considered slang or mildly vulgar. Not appropriate for formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “bottle out” mean?
To lose one's nerve or courage at the last moment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To lose one's nerve or courage at the last moment; to fail to go through with something due to fear or apprehension.
Informal phrasal verb describing the act of backing out of a commitment, challenge, or risky situation because of sudden anxiety or lack of courage. It implies a failure of resolve that often leads to disappointment or ridicule.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly British. The equivalent American expression is typically 'chicken out' or 'back out'. 'Bottle out' is understood in the US but rarely used spontaneously.
Connotations
In British English, it has a strong, sometimes derisive tone. It can be used humorously among friends or critically to express disappointment.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal speech, especially among younger and working-class demographics. Very low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “bottle out” in a Sentence
SUBJ + bottle out (of + NOUN PHRASE)SUBJ + bottle itVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bottle out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was going to do the bungee jump but he bottled out at the last second.
- Don't bottle out of telling her the truth.
American English
- He totally bottled it and didn't ask her out.
- I can't believe you bottled out of the bet.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in very informal critiques: 'He bottled out of the tough negotiation.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common for discussing dares, confrontations, public speaking, or risky activities: 'I was going to ask for a raise but I bottled out.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bottle out”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bottle out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bottle out”
- Using it in formal contexts. Confusing it with 'bottle up' (repress emotions). Incorrect tense: 'bottled out' (past), not 'bottled outed'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It derives from Cockney rhyming slang 'bottle and glass' for 'arse'. 'To lose one's bottle' (courage) meant to be so scared you might soil yourself. 'Bottle' alone came to mean 'courage', hence 'bottle out' means to lose that courage.
It is informal and can be perceived as critical or mocking. It's fine among friends in banter but could cause offense if used seriously to describe someone's actions.
'Back out' is more neutral and can be for any reason. 'Bottle out' is specifically due to fear or loss of nerve and is more judgmental.
Yes, the standard past form is 'bottled out'. The variant 'bottled it' is also very common.
To lose one's nerve or courage at the last moment.
Bottle out is usually informal, colloquial. common in spoken british english. can be considered slang or mildly vulgar. not appropriate for formal writing. in register.
Bottle out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒtl aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːtl aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He lost his bottle.”
- “She's got no bottle.”
- “Find your bottle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone holding a glass bottle of courage. When they 'bottle out', they drop the bottle and it smashes, spilling all their courage on the floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS A CONTAINED LIQUID (IN A BOTTLE). Losing courage is spilling or losing the container.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'bottle out' in this sentence: 'Jamie bottled out of the protest at the last minute.'?