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duck out

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To quietly leave a place or to avoid doing something you were supposed to do.

Literal meaning: To duck (lower the head) and go out — as if slipping under a barrier to escape.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To leave a place quietly and without drawing attention, especially to avoid staying for the full duration.

"We ducked out of the party early because we had an early flight the next morning."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To avoid a responsibility, commitment, or obligation, especially in a sneaky or last-minute way.

"She always finds a way to duck out of the difficult conversations."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Commonly followed by 'of' ('duck out of something'). Used in both British and American English. Implies a degree of avoidance or covertness. Can refer to physically leaving a place quickly or metaphorically withdrawing from an obligation.

Commonly used with

meeting party responsibility commitment early quietly

Forms

Base
duck out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ducks out
he/she/it
Past simple
ducked out
yesterday
Past participle
ducked out
have + pp
-ing form
ducking out
continuous

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