bale out
B2 neutral separable both
In simple words
To jump out of a plane with a parachute in an emergency, or to help someone who is in big trouble.
Literal meaning: Originally from 'bale' (a bundle), but in this usage it mirrors 'bail out' — removing danger or escaping.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
(British English) To make an emergency exit from an aircraft by parachute.
"The fighter pilot had to bale out when his engine failed over the channel."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
(British English) To rescue a person or organisation from financial or serious trouble.
"The bank had to be baled out by the government to prevent total collapse."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
In British English, 'bale out' is preferred over 'bail out' in aviation contexts. In financial or general rescue contexts, both spellings are used in British English. American English almost exclusively uses 'bail out.'
Commonly used with
pilot aircraft emergency trouble company debt
Forms
Base
bale out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bales out
he/she/it
Past simple
baled out
yesterday
Past participle
baled out
have + pp
-ing form
baling out
continuous
Understand "bale out" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "bale out" on Looplines