bail on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To suddenly leave or not show up for someone or something you said you'd do.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To suddenly abandon a plan, event, or commitment, leaving others to manage without you.
"She bailed on the study group again — that's the third time this month."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To abandon or betray a person when they need your support.
"I can't believe he bailed on his best friend right when things got difficult."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in North American informal English, particularly among younger speakers. Implies a degree of betrayal or unreliability. Often used in social contexts: 'He bailed on our plans again.' Slightly stronger negative connotation than 'back out of'.
Commonly used with
plans friends date team commitment project
Forms
Base
bail on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bails on
he/she/it
Past simple
bailed on
yesterday
Past participle
bailed on
have + pp
-ing form
bailing on
continuous
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