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pour one out

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

When you spill a little of your drink on the ground to say goodbye or remember someone who died.

Literal meaning: Physically spilling some of a drink — an ancient ritual of offering liquid to the spirits of the dead, present in many cultures worldwide.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To tip a small amount of an alcoholic drink onto the ground as a mark of respect for someone who has died.

"At the memorial, his friends gathered on the steps and poured one out for him."

"Pour out a little liquor, pour out a little liquor / For the homies that we lost."

— 2Pac, 'Pour Out a Little Liquor' (1996)
Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic slang

Used figuratively or humorously online to express sympathy or mock-mourning for the loss of something trivial.

"Pour one out for my laptop — it finally gave up after five years of loyal service."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Rooted in African-American and hip-hop culture, where it is called a 'libation.' Widely popularised in the 1990s. Now used broadly in casual and youth culture. Often used figuratively or humorously online (e.g., 'pour one out for my dead phone battery'). The 'one' refers to a drink.

Commonly used with

homies fallen soldiers the fallen memory respect tribute

Forms

Base
pour one out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pours one out
he/she/it
Past simple
poured one out
yesterday
Past participle
poured one out
have + pp
-ing form
pouring one out
continuous

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Synonyms

pour a libation pay tribute pay respects toast the dead make a libation

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