fork out
B1 informal separable both
In simple words
Pay money for something, usually when you don't really want to.
Literal meaning: To lift money out as if with a fork — the image of reluctantly digging into one's pocket.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To pay money for something, especially when it is expensive or you are doing so reluctantly.
"I had to fork out three hundred pounds to get my car fixed."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in British English. Almost always implies that the speaker considers the payment unwelcome, excessive, or unavoidable. Often followed by 'for': 'fork out for a new car'.
Commonly used with
money cash repairs tickets fees rent
Forms
Base
fork out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
forks out
he/she/it
Past simple
forked out
yesterday
Past participle
forked out
have + pp
-ing form
forking out
continuous
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