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bud out

B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words

When a tree or bush starts growing little buds — the first sign that spring is coming.

Literal meaning: For buds to emerge outward from a plant's stem or branches.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

For a plant to produce buds, especially in spring, as new growth begins.

"The cherry trees are starting to bud out — spring must finally be here."

2 C1 idiomatic neutral

Figuratively, for a person or idea to begin showing signs of development or potential.

"Her talent for design really started budding out in her second year at art school."

Usage notes

Primarily used in horticulture and gardening. Describes the early spring growth phase. Also used metaphorically to describe a person or idea beginning to develop.

Commonly used with

tree plant shrub spring growth branches

Forms

Base
bud out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buds out
he/she/it
Past simple
buded out
yesterday
Past participle
buded out
have + pp
-ing form
buding out
continuous

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Synonyms

bud sprout put out buds come into bud burgeon

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