drill out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To use a drill to make a hole bigger or to remove something stuck inside a hole.
Literal meaning: To use a drill to remove material outward from a hole.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To remove something (such as a broken screw or rivet) by drilling around or through it.
"The mechanic had to drill out the snapped bolt before she could remove the panel."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
To enlarge or clear a hole using a drill.
"You'll need to drill out that hole a bit more — the pipe won't fit through as it is."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily used in DIY, engineering, and mechanical contexts. Common when removing a broken screw, enlarging a pilot hole, or clearing a blocked hole.
Commonly used with
screw hole rivet bolt material metal
Forms
Base
drill out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drills out
he/she/it
Past simple
drilled out
yesterday
Past participle
drilled out
have + pp
-ing form
drilling out
continuous
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