splash out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “splash out” mean?
To spend a significant amount of money, often more than usual, on something seen as a treat or luxury.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spend a significant amount of money, often more than usual, on something seen as a treat or luxury.
To go to considerable effort or expense for a special occasion or desire; to celebrate or indulge in a noticeable, sometimes ostentatious, way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrasal verb is common and essentially identical in both varieties. The term 'splurge' is a close synonym, slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can be positive (celebration) or mildly negative (reckless spending), depending on context and tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, but widely understood and used in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “splash out” in a Sentence
[Subject] + splash out + on + [Noun Phrase][Subject] + splash out + and + [Verb Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “splash out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to splash out on a posh meal for our anniversary.
- He splashed out and bought first-class tickets.
American English
- They decided to splash out on a trip to Hawaii.
- She splashed out and got the latest iPhone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business contexts. Might appear in marketing copy ('Splash out on our premium package!') or informal office talk.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Very common in conversation about shopping, holidays, celebrations, and personal treats.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “splash out”
- Using it for essential spending: *'We had to splash out on a new boiler.' (Incorrect - implies a choice/luxury)
- Incorrect prepositions: *'splash out for a meal' is less common than 'splash out on a meal'.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be either, depending on context and tone. It's often positive when talking about a deserved treat, but can imply criticism for being wasteful.
They are very close synonyms. 'Splash out' is more common in British English and often requires 'on' (splash out on). 'Splurge' is common in both varieties and can be used transitively (splurge $100) or with 'on'.
It's unusual for essential business costs. It might be used humorously or critically about a company's extravagant spending ('The tech giant splashed out millions on the office party').
There isn't a direct, common noun derivative. People might say 'a splurge' or 'a big spend' instead of 'a splash out'.
To spend a significant amount of money, often more than usual, on something seen as a treat or luxury.
Splash out is usually informal in register.
Splash out: in British English it is pronounced /splæʃ aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /splæʃ aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “push the boat out (similar UK idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine throwing a big bucket of water (splashing) onto something - the water represents money, and the act is sudden, generous, and makes a big, noticeable impact.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPENDING MONEY IS A FLUID SUBSTANCE (that can be poured or splashed).
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best describes 'splashing out'?