shut-out bid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical, formal
Quick answer
What does “shut-out bid” mean?
In contract bridge, an initial very high bid intended to prevent the opponents from effectively communicating and entering the auction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In contract bridge, an initial very high bid intended to prevent the opponents from effectively communicating and entering the auction.
Any aggressive or preemptive action in competitive situations (outside of bridge) designed to exclude rivals from participation or contention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical in both varieties within the context of bridge. Metaphorical use is marginally more frequent in American business/political discourse.
Connotations
In bridge: a legitimate, often risky, tactical move. In metaphorical use: can imply an aggressive, exclusionary, or anti-competitive strategy.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; high frequency within the specific domain of contract bridge.
Grammar
How to Use “shut-out bid” in a Sentence
[Subject] made a shut-out bid of [Number] [Suit/Category].A shut-out bid in [Suit/Category] by [Subject].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The corporation's sudden acquisition was a shut-out bid against its main competitor.'
Academic
Rarely used outside of papers on game theory or bridge strategy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard, precise term in contract bridge literature and commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shut-out bid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shut-out bid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shut-out bid”
- Using 'shut-out bid' to mean a bid that was rejected (confusion with 'shut out' as excluded).
- Confusing it with a 'shutdown' in other contexts.
- Using without the hyphens as 'shut out bid'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, it is a defined term in contract bridge. Its use in business or politics is a metaphorical extension understood by those familiar with the bridge term.
A shut-out bid is a type of preemptive bid, specifically a very high one (often at the four-level or higher) made in first or second position, aiming primarily to block the opponents entirely.
Typically, a shut-out bid refers to an opening bid or an immediate overcall by the side who is not the dealer. Once the auction is underway, similar actions are usually called 'jump overbids' or 'sacrifice bids'.
Because you are committing your side to a high contract with limited information about your partner's hand. If the opponents have the majority of points, they may double you, leading to a large penalty.
In contract bridge, an initial very high bid intended to prevent the opponents from effectively communicating and entering the auction.
Shut-out bid is usually technical, formal in register.
Shut-out bid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌt aʊt ˈbɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃət ˌaʊt ˈbɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw a spanner in the auction (related concept)”
- “jump the bidding”
- “shut the door on the opponents”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine SHUTting a door on your opponents to keep them OUT of your BIDding conversation.
Conceptual Metaphor
BIDDING IS WAR / COMMUNICATION IS A PATHWAY (blocking the path).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'shut-out bid' a precise technical term?