1 B2 idiomatic informal
To suddenly abandon or desert a person who was counting on you.
"I can't believe he bailed out on us the night before the big presentation."
inseparable
bail out on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To abandon or desert someone, especially at a critical or difficult moment.
In plain English
To leave someone when they really need you.
What does "bail out on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To break a promise or commitment to someone, leaving them without support.
"She felt hurt when her best friend bailed out on her at the last minute."
inseparable
Usage tip
Carries a strong negative connotation of betrayal or unreliability. Common in American English. Often used in emotional or interpersonal contexts.
Words that pair with "bail out on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friend partner team family commitment deal
How to conjugate "bail out on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bail out on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bails out on
he/she/it
Past simple
bailed out on
yesterday
Past participle
bailed out on
have + pp
-ing form
bailing out on
continuous
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