bottle out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To suddenly decide not to do something scary because you get too frightened at the last minute.
Literal meaning: 'Bottle' is British slang for courage; to 'bottle out' means your bottle (courage) runs out — you lose your nerve.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To lose one's courage and decide not to do something scary or challenging at the last moment.
"He was going to do a bungee jump but bottled out at the top of the platform."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. 'Bottle' in British slang means courage or nerve, so 'bottle out' literally means to lose your bottle (courage) and withdraw. Often used with mild scorn or teasing. The opposite is to 'have bottle' (be brave). Almost always refers to losing nerve at the critical moment of action.
Commonly used with
challenge fight dare moment jump attempt
Forms
Base
bottle out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bottles out
he/she/it
Past simple
bottled out
yesterday
Past participle
bottled out
have + pp
-ing form
bottling out
continuous
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