gutter out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To slowly get weaker and then stop completely, like a candle going out.
Literal meaning: For a flame to gutter (flicker unevenly) and then go out completely.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
For a flame or light to flicker and then go out completely.
"The last candle guttered out, leaving the room in complete darkness."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
For enthusiasm, energy, a movement, or a project to gradually fade and come to a quiet end.
"The reform movement, once so promising, guttered out after its founders lost funding."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Relatively rare. Used both literally (of flames or lights) and figuratively (of enthusiasm, projects, or movements). Has a literary or poetic quality. Derived from the verb 'gutter', meaning for a candle flame to flicker because of melted wax running down its side.
Commonly used with
flame candle enthusiasm movement career initiative
Forms
Base
gutter out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gutters out
he/she/it
Past simple
guttered out
yesterday
Past participle
guttered out
have + pp
-ing form
guttering out
continuous
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