trot out
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To bring forward or present something for consideration, often in a habitual, predictable, or unoriginal way.
To produce or repeat something (an excuse, argument, fact, person, or idea) routinely, especially to support a point, often with a sense of it being overused, insincere, or lacking fresh thought.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase typically carries a mildly pejorative or dismissive connotation. It implies the thing being presented is clichéd, rehearsed, or used too often and is therefore unimpressive or lacks sincerity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the phrase identically in informal contexts.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties: slightly critical, implying a lack of originality or sincerity.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + trots out + [Direct Object (excuse/argument/person)] + (for/on/to someone)[Subject] + trotted out + [Direct Object] + againVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Trot out the same old tropes”
- “Trot out the tired and tested”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Every quarter, they trot out the same optimistic projections."
Academic
"The article merely trots out familiar critiques without new evidence."
Everyday
"He trotted out his usual excuse for being late."
Technical
Rarely used in highly technical registers; more common in commentary or critique.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister trotted out the standard defence during the interview.
- They always trot out that old story at family gatherings.
American English
- The coach trotted out the same play we've seen all season.
- Politicians trot out these promises every election cycle.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He trotted out an excuse for his homework.
- The company trotted out the same advertisement again.
- Whenever there's a problem, they just trot out the same old solutions.
- The spokesperson was trotted out to answer the difficult questions.
- Critics accused the author of merely trotting out well-worn philosophical tropes without engaging with the counterarguments.
- The government's response trotted out a litany of statistics that failed to address the core issue.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person leading a tired old horse (a 'trotter') out of a stable for the hundredth time to show visitors. The act is predictable and no longer impressive.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/EXCUSES ARE OBJECTS STORED FOR ROUTINE DISPLAY (like taking a worn-out item from storage).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation ('вышагивать' or 'рысить').
- Do not confuse with 'to trot' as a gait for a horse.
- The phrasal verb's meaning is idiomatic and critical, not neutral like 'представить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in a positive context (e.g., 'He trotted out a brilliant new idea' – sounds odd).
- Confusing it with 'trout' (the fish).
- Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'trot out about' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'trot out'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Its default connotation is mildly negative or dismissive, implying overuse or lack of sincerity. A positive use would be ironic or marked.
Typically abstract nouns like excuses, reasons, arguments, clichés, statistics, or people presented as representatives (e.g., a spokesperson, an expert).
Yes, it is separable. You can say 'He trotted the same excuse out' or 'He trotted out the same excuse.' The latter is more common.
It derives from the practice of leading a horse out at a trot to show it off, which over time took on the figurative meaning of presenting something for inspection, often with a sense of routine display.