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dump out

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To take everything out of a bag, box, or container by turning it upside down or pouring it out quickly.

Literal meaning: To dump (drop carelessly) something out of a container — transparent and non-idiomatic.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To remove the contents of a container quickly by tipping, pouring, or shaking it out.

"She dumped out her entire handbag on the table looking for her keys."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To dispose of or get rid of something by emptying it out somewhere.

"He dumped out the old paint cans in the back of the garage."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday, informal American English. British English more often uses 'tip out' or 'empty out'. The action is fast and often careless. Can also be used intransitively ('dump out of something').

Commonly used with

bag purse box bucket contents trash

Forms

Base
dump out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dumps out
he/she/it
Past simple
dumped out
yesterday
Past participle
dumped out
have + pp
-ing form
dumping out
continuous

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