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pop out

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To go out for a short time, or for something to suddenly appear or come out.

Literal meaning: 'Pop' suggests a sudden, light movement; 'out' indicates exiting — giving the literal image of something leaping out of a container or space.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To leave a place for a short time, intending to return soon.

"I'm just popping out to get some milk — I'll be back in five minutes."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To appear or emerge suddenly and unexpectedly.

"A rabbit popped out from behind the bush and gave us all a fright."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

Of eyes, to bulge or protrude, typically from shock or surprise.

"Her eyes practically popped out when she saw the price tag."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in informal British English for briefly leaving a location. Also used more broadly to describe something appearing suddenly (eyes popping out in surprise, a spring popping out of a mechanism). Context makes the meaning clear.

Commonly used with

briefly quickly shop moment suddenly eyes

Forms

Base
pop out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pops out
he/she/it
Past simple
poped out
yesterday
Past participle
poped out
have + pp
-ing form
poping out
continuous

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