punch out
B1 neutral separable both
In simple words
To record when you finish work, or to hit someone hard.
Literal meaning: Transparent in both the workplace sense (punching a time card) and the cutting sense (punching a shape out of a material).
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To record the time you finish work, originally by inserting a time card into a machine.
"Don't forget to punch out before you leave tonight."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 informal
To hit someone hard with a fist.
"He was so angry he felt like punching out the first person who spoke to him."
Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral
To cut a shape out of a material by striking or pressing a tool through it.
"The machine punches out hundreds of identical metal discs per hour."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The workplace sense ('punch out') is primarily American English. The physical sense (to hit someone) is informal and sometimes used figuratively. The manufacturing sense (cutting shapes) is technical.
Commonly used with
time card work shift shape metal ticket
Forms
Base
punch out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
punches out
he/she/it
Past simple
punched out
yesterday
Past participle
punched out
have + pp
-ing form
punching out
continuous
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