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crap out

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To suddenly stop working, or to give up and quit something you said you would do.

Literal meaning: In craps (a dice game), to roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the first throw, meaning an immediate loss.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

For a machine or device to stop working suddenly and unexpectedly.

"My laptop crapped out right in the middle of the presentation."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To withdraw from a plan, commitment, or activity at the last moment, often disappointing others.

"Three of the volunteers crapped out at the last minute, leaving us shorthanded."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 neutral

(Gambling) To lose at craps by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the opening roll.

"He crapped out on the very first throw and lost his entire stake."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Originally from craps (dice gambling), where 'crapping out' means rolling a losing number. Now widely used in informal American English to mean anything that fails suddenly. Can also mean to quit or back out of something.

Commonly used with

machine laptop engine plan deal game

Forms

Base
crap out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
craps out
he/she/it
Past simple
craped out
yesterday
Past participle
craped out
have + pp
-ing form
craping out
continuous

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Synonyms

conk out give out pack up fail quit bail out

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